Weekly Market Commentary
With the exception of manufacturing sentiment, the economic news painted a picture of a still stable economy. Housing is holding steady at its yearlong pace, employment is solid with very low unemployment claims and there were further signs of moderating inflation with March’s Import/Export Prices. The consumer looks to be holding up with March’s Core Retail Sales up solidly for the month and year over year. Overseas, China remains under pressure with slumping March Capacity Utilization and February Consumer Confidence still at historic lows. The Fed has joined tariffs as a topic of focus with Fed Chairman Powell saying tariff inflation could hinder the Fed’s ability to lower rates to help the economy, which sent the interest sensitive NASDAQ....... (click for more)