Week In Review 2.22.2019

Markets ended the week higher on continued signs of progress regarding a trade deal between the U.S. and China. The release of the Feds’ January FOMC meeting minutes also helped support the markets. The Fed’s January FOMC minutes revealed an in-depth discussion of recent market volatility. Part of the discussion focused on the market’s interpretation of Fed communications regarding interest rates and the bank’s balance sheet reduction program, and how that may have exacerbated volatility. In general, the minutes reinforced the current notion that the Fed will be patient regarding future rate increases.

All signals from the U.S./China trade talks continued to suggest that the two sides are making progress; however, details remained scarce. With U.S. tariffs on $200B of Chinese goods set to increase from 10% to 25% on March 1, time is of the essence. However, the date is arbitrary and could be delayed should President Trump so chooses, something he has suggested he might do if he believes progress is being made. On Friday the two sides agreed to continue their talks through the weekend, another anecdotal sign of progress.

Through Friday, 89% of S&P 500 companies have reported fourth-quarter earnings. According to industry group FactSet, thus far 69% of companies have beaten their earnings estimate, while 61% have beaten their revenue estimate. Currently, overall earnings growth is tracking at 13%. Should that be achieved, it would mark the 5th consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth.