What We Were Reading and Watching this Week

John Stanton |

Enjoy,   look forward to hearing any feedback,  questions,  and comments!

 

Economy 

Confidence among consumers is declining,  and more households have started to reduce spending, as a result of still-high prices and increasing inflation. According to the latest Conference Board report, more than 80% of consumers plan to reduce spending in the next 6 months.

 

The National Federation for Independent Businesses’ (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index for April was up from the March reading,  still remains at historically depressed levels.

 

 

Markets

Stocks

The S&P 500 closed slightly lower for the week after the market reacted to violently to the relatively hawkish minutes from the last FOMC meeting on Thursday,  with the increasing doubts of rate cuts this year. 

Year to date,  S&P 500  up 11.79%. 

 

Bonds

The 10 Year Treasury closed the week to yield 4.46%,  up slightly for the week.  

 

Gold

The price of gold down for the week,  to $2,342.70 per troy ounce.  

Up 13% YTD. 

 

TECHNICAL UPDATE

Stock Market 

There is selling into up markets.   Lack of selling into down markets,  leaves this indicator in neutral territory.

The weight of evidence continues to guide towards a cautious approach to stock market positioning, until clear evidence of an upcoming bull market emerges.   Will review those indicators in next weeks post.   

There are no changes in our net invested position within our model portfolios.  

 

Stanton Group Risk Management  Historical Net Long Positioning

Please schedule a call to review historical and current positioning using our  Core & Protect Risk Management Process, our research, and our model portfolios. 

https://calendly.com/jstanton-1/stanton-group-introduction-with-john-stanton

 

Memorial Day 2024

The Wall That Heals

Traveling Vietnam Exhibit

This week I heard that the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall exhibit will be in West Dundee for the Memorial Day weekend.  

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to West Dundee from May 22-27, at Randall Oaks Park and will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public from May 24-27.

As we enjoy our long weekend with friends and family,  please take a moment to remember the true significance of this solemn day. 

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/the-wall-that-heals-traveling-vietnam-exhibit/

 

 

John is the founder of The Stanton Group WP. With more than three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and through SeaCrest Wealth Management, LLC,  serves as the Registered Investment Advisor Representative for clients, focusing on financial planning and the investment strategies to support their financial plan.

Based in Naperville, Illinois, John serves clients in Naperville, Plainfield, Darien, Aurora, Geneva, St Charles, and throughout the Chicagoland area.

Learn more about John’s services by visiting www.stantongwp.com

John can be reached at l 630-445-2380 or email JStanton@seacrestwm.com.

The Stanton Group WP provides investment advisory services through SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC, (the “SWM”) a registered investment advisor. SWM is a registered investment advisor (“RIA”), with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission located in the State of New York. SeaCrest Wealth Management, LLC can be reached at (914) 502-1900.

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