Look at alternatives to seek income goals
After a strong run performance, a period of modest returns wouldn’t be unexpected. It could challenge investors who have grown accustomed to double-digit returns from traditional 60/40 balanced portfolios.
Markets and Economy
Nationwide’s Chief of Investment Research and the Nationwide Economics team offer daily and weekly commentary and analysis of the equity and bond markets, including an overview of economic data being released, global market news, commodities and market performance by index returns. These timely insights can help you navigate markets and understand emerging trends.
November Monthly Dashboard: Inflation moves higher, expansion reaccelerating
Despite a shortage of workers, as well as supply chain and transportation challenges within many industries, economic activity remained robust in October while inflation jumped. Payroll growth has been strong in recent months even as many businesses continue to report difficulties finding workers. But faster and broader inflation is a growing concern as supply chain dislocations remain in place.
The Omicron variant challenges the “buy-the-dip” mindset
Markets saw a flight to quality, with the 10-year Treasury yield dipping below 1.50% but has since rebounded. Oil prices dropped 10%, with the worst day of trading since April 2020 on lockdown concerns ahead of this week’s OPEC+ meeting.
Are markets setting up for year-end rally?
The S&P 500 has now recorded 66 record highs this year, the second-most on record to the 77 in 1995. Interest rates fell despite the increased likelihood of rate hikes in 2022, with real rates at record lows, while the dollar reached a 16-month high.
Podcast: Hear more about October’s retail sales. (15 min)
This week saw very positive data across the economy, including retail sales, the National Association of Home Builders housing market index, and industrial production. Yet supply chains are still strained and inflation is at its highest level in several years. Nationwide’s Chief Economist David Berson and Senior Economist Ben Ayers provide their perspective on these reports and whether or not they suggest a pickup in the economy ahead.
Cycle Watch November 2021: Supply chains hold down growth
Consumer spending has remained solid in the face of slowdowns in job gains and global supply chain disruptions. Real GDP growth also slowed while equity markets experienced solid earnings growth and bond benefitted from falling rates and narrowing credit spreads. Rates ticked higher as the Fed hinted at a tapering of asset purchases and sooner-than-expected rate hikes.
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