Equity Overview – Domestic Stock Markets

The three major equity indices all ended positive in April, with the technology heavy Nasdaq reaching a milestone. The Nasdaq Composite Index passed through 6000 in April, taking it 17 years to move from 5000 to 6000. The index has hit 25 new records so far in 2017, the most of any year since 1999.

Earnings remain upbeat for most sectors of the S&P 500 index, instilling confidence into markets. The technology sector excelled in April as improving earnings helped propel the sector. The recent drop in oil prices to below $50 affected the energy sector as tighter margins placed pressure on future earnings prospects. (Sources: S&P, Bloomberg)

Fixed Income Update – Global Bond Markets

Analysts believe that demographical factors are increasingly influencing the direction of fixed income markets. Even after the fed raised rates this past quarter, along with a series of rate increase expectations, bond yields have reversed and headed lower. The 10-year U.S. Treasury Bond yield fell in April to 2.29%, levels last reached in November 2016.

Volume of investment grade bonds has surpassed the volume of high yield bonds for the first time since 2008, suggesting that sentiment about risk factors in the bond markets may be changing.

An exit from any one of the EU member countries is expected to cause additional negative sentiment and market repercussions in European credit markets as the euro becomes that much more susceptible.

Government bonds from Venezuela reached yields in excess of 20%, as the country bristles with political and economic chaos. It is estimated that Venezuela has roughly $10 billion left in reserves, which is expected to be exhausted fairly soon. (Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, U.S. Treasury)

A Favorite U.S. Export For Foreigners – International Trade

As foreign imports come into question with possible tariffs, certain US exports continue to be in big demand worldwide.  As much as Americans enjoy inexpensive foreign imports, many foreigners enjoy expensive American made products.

U.S. wine makes its way primarily to the UK, Canada, Japan, and Italy, while American beer is most popular in Chile, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Mexico. U.S. whiskey has become an absolute favorite in Japan, Spain, Australia, and Germany. (Sources: Census Bureau, Distilled Spirits Council of the US)

Trump Tax Proposals – Fiscal Policy

The administration of President Trump released its tax proposals in late April. The proposals did vary somewhat from initial proposals presented during the campaign, but adhered to the basic principals of tax reform of broadening the tax base while lowering tax rates.

Markets are anxious because it may take months before there is an indication whether any portion of the tax proposals actually convert into tax legislative law.

Administration officials stated that the reduction in tax revenue generated by the tax cut propels would be offset through a combination of anticipated economic growth and various broadening measures.

Once the Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2018 is submitted by the White House in mid-May, then Congress will begin the deliberation process of the tax proposals.

Affecting most every taxpayer in the country is the standard deduction. The proposal essentially doubles the standard deductions from its current levels, thus simplifying the entire tax process for many tax filers. This is so because the standard deduction is used instead of itemizing expenses in various categories. The Tax Policy Center estimates that those who itemize would fall from 30% to 5%, hence spending less time on identifying expenses to deduct and less of a burden on the IRS.

Ironically, one of the proposals actually hinders homeowners that have expensive homes, primarily in Democratic California and New York. Senators from both states are expected to rebuff the elimination of the state and local property tax deduction, seen as a significant deduction for residents of these expensive coastal states. (Sources: whitehouse.gov, Tax Policy Center)

Consumer Credit Card Debt Hits $1 Trillion – Consumer Finance

As consumer confidence has risen over the past couple of years, so has the appeal to hold debt. Federal Reserve data shows that U.S. consumers now have over $1 trillion on credit cards alone, up 6.2% from a year ago, and is currently the highest amount of consumer credit card debt since January 2009.  The recent data makes credit card debt the third largest consumer lending category in the industry following auto loans and student loans.  Two variables that economists look at closely are employment and interest rates, which directly affect the ability for consumers to borrow. Economists believe that loosening underwriting standards in various loan categories along with a strengthening employment market could very well offset any interest rate increases.  The credit card business remains among the most profitable in banking as banks can charge much higher interest rates than other loan types, with average credit card rates between 12% and 14%.  Yet, as credit card debt levels have risen, so have reserves for losses as banks anticipate delinquencies to rise. (Sources: Federal Reserve)