Q1 2023 Market Commentary

It was a remarkable Q1 for 2023, and many questions now exist about the financial markets and the economy at large. 

With that in mind, below is a summary of some of the key developments to keep in mind as the second quarter begins in earnest. 

 
Economy

Some cracks in the economy became evident during the first quarter, with banking system uncertainty in the spotlight. The banking turmoil towards the end of the quarter rightfully rattled investors and sent volatility soaring. 

However, the market volatility was short-lived, as the first quarter concluded with buyers emerging in major U.S. stock indexes.

 
S&P 500: Two Consecutive Positive Quarters

The first quarter of 2023 was the second consecutive positive quarter for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The Nasdaq 100 had the biggest gain of the three major indexes after experiencing a slightly lower fourth quarter of 2022.

Overall, during the first quarter of 2023, the S&P 500 increased by 7.03%, the Nasdaq 100 rose by a mammoth 20.49%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was marginally higher, by 0.38%.

 
Labor Market

In the first quarter, strength continued for the labor market, with solid payroll gains of 311,000 in February & 517,000 in January. The unemployment rate did edge higher in February (from 3.4% to 3.6%), but the labor force participation rate was little changed at 62.5 % in February.

U.S. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said in late March that inflation could decrease without harming the labor market.

 
Inflation

The quarter’s last Consumer Price Index (CPI) data release showed consumer pricing declining in February from January levels. However, prices remained elevated. Core CPI (which removes volatile food and energy) remains firmpotentially firmer than the Federal Reserve would like to see. 

The inflation battle has resulted in the fastest pace of Federal Reserve rate hikes in decades.

 
Quarterly Fed Decisions 

The first quarter featured one Fed meeting in March, resulting in a 25-basis-point hike. The hike was largely expected, although some participants wanted to see a pause in the wake of the banking turmoil. The second quarter features two Fed meetings on May 3rd and June 14th, with continued rate hikes possible. 

 
Putting Q1 Together

Starting out 2023, the Nasdaq had its best January since 2001, a welcome way to start the year and quarter.

Major U.S. stock indexes traded lower in February as markets braced for additional interest rate hikes and economic headwinds were in focus. And March had it all: banking turmoil, a spike in volatility, and ultimately, a rally in the major U.S. stock indexes.

At the close of the first quarter, market expectations seemingly shifted towards a more gentle Fed for the remainder of 2023, with one more rate hike being the consensus. The Fed has also forecasted one more rate hike.

Active market participants are currently debating whether the market is getting ahead of itself, with some expecting rate cuts later in the year, even as the Fed suggests that will not be the case.

Amid all of this first-quarter speculation and turmoil, remaining focused on the long term became all the more important. A long-term focus prevents investors from getting caught up in quickly changing narratives that could trigger emotional decisions.  

 

With that said, if you have questions about first-quarter developments or if there is anything we can help with, please do not hesitate to reach out

Regards,

Andrew Fairman Signature

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