The Independent Market Observer

Economic Risk Factor Update: July 2017

Posted by Brad McMillan, CFA®, CFP®

Find me on:

This entry was posted on Jul 11, 2017 2:10:26 PM

and tagged Economic Risk Factor Updates

Leave a comment

The data for June was generally positive, with a rebound in job growth and a surprise increase in business confidence supported by continued high levels of consumer confidence. After a run of weak data in the past couple of months, the June rebound is a good sign. Although there is still a gap between confidence and actual hard data, the persistence of confidence suggests that most economic factors remain positive—and that the current expansion is likely to continue.

The Service Sector

economic risk factor

Signal: Green light

The ISM Nonmanufacturing Index surprised by rising in June, despite expectations of a small decline. This increase offset a modest decline in May. As a diffusion index, readings above 50 indicate expansion, and readings below 50 indicate contraction. After some weakness in late 2016, this index has registered increasing business confidence, so it remains a green light.

Private Employment: Annual Change

economic risk factor

Signal: Green light

June job creation beat expectations, with 222,000 jobs added against expectations of 178,000. In addition, May’s disappointing results were revised up to a healthy 152,000 new jobs. The underemployment and unemployment rate both ticked up slightly during the month, but even this was positive, as the increases were driven by a bump in the labor force participation rate.

Because this is an annual figure, changes are slower and smaller than those we see in more frequently reported data. The major thing to watch here is the trend, which indicates slowing job growth over time. Despite the slowing trend, job growth is still quite positive overall, so this indicator remains a green light.

Private Employment: Monthly Change

economic risk factor

Signal: Green light

These are the same numbers as in the previous chart but on a month-to-month basis, which can provide a better short-term signal.

The positive results in June were welcome given monthly volatility in this measure to start the year. The labor market appears to be relatively healthy given the low levels of job openings and high levels of voluntary exits, which are often associated with tight labor conditions. While we will continue to monitor the headline job creation numbers, June’s healthy results, and the continued strength of the longer-term numbers, indicate that the overall employment situation remains a green light.

Yield Curve (10-Year Minus 3-Month Treasury Rates)

economic risk factor

Signal: Green light

The yield curve flattened further in June. This was driven by lower inflation data that depressed the intermediate and long portions of the curve, as well as the Fed’s decision to raise short-term rates in mid-June. The Fed’s decision was widely seen as validation of the strength of the economy; however, the increase in the short-term rates flattened the yield curve to levels not seen since early 2008.

Although the spread between the 10-year and 3-month rates remains well outside of the risk zone, the fact that it is now at post-crisis lows suggests that caution is warranted. I am leaving this measure at green for now, but I will be keeping an eye on it given the downward trend.

Consumer Confidence: Annual Change

economic risk factor

Signal: Green light

Consumer confidence increased slightly in June, following decreases in the previous two months, and remains near 16-year highs. This high level of consumer confidence bodes well for second-half growth. On an annual basis, the trend is also positive, with a significant increase over that time. Overall, this measure is a green light.

Conclusion: Economy healthy, positive trends improve

Continued high levels of consumer and business confidence support expectations for future growth, while a strong jobs report suggests that the hard data may be improving as well. Although there are some concerns over trends in the data, as well as weaker reports earlier in the year, the economy remains on track overall, and we conclude at a green light for this month.

green_light.jpg


Subscribe via Email

New call-to-action
Crash-Test Investing

Hot Topics



New Call-to-action

Conversations

Archives

see all

Subscribe


Disclosure

The information on this website is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation.

Certain sections of this commentary contain forward-looking statements that are based on our reasonable expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

The S&P 500 Index is a broad-based measurement of changes in stock market conditions based on the average performance of 500 widely held common stocks. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly in an index.

The MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australia, Far East) Index is a free float‐adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index consists of 21 developed market country indices.

One basis point (bp) is equal to 1/100th of 1 percent, or 0.01 percent.

The VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) measures the market’s expectation of 30-day volatility across a wide range of S&P 500 options.

The forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio divides the current share price of the index by its estimated future earnings.

Third-party links are provided to you as a courtesy. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided on these websites. Information on such sites, including third-party links contained within, should not be construed as an endorsement or adoption by Commonwealth of any kind. You should consult with a financial advisor regarding your specific situation.

Member FINRASIPC

Please review our Terms of Use

Commonwealth Financial Network®