Episode Transcript
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Hey, there.
.687This is my Weekly Market Commentary for the week of March 10, 2025, The US markets faced their most challenging period since September 2024, with major indices experiencing significant declines, reflecting investor uncertainty and market unease.
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Economic data, particularly nonfarm payrolls and average hourly earnings, played a pivotal role in influencing market sentiment, contributing to the complex economic landscape investors are navigating.
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Geopolitical tensions, such as ongoing uncertainty surrounding President Trump's tariff actions and potential sanctions against Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict, have kept investors on edge and impacted energy prices.
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Despite the overall decline, certain sectors, including Utilities, Energy, and Technology, displayed resilience towards the week's end, while the Financials sector reflected broader market apprehensions.
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Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments suggesting a wait-and-see approach concerning policy changes provided a measure of stability to the markets amid the prevailing volatility.
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Stock and Bond Market Commentary This past week, the US markets faced their most challenging period since September 2024, with major indices experiencing significant declines.
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The S&P 500 Index fell by 3.1%,
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marking its largest weekly loss since September, closing at 5,770.20.
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This downturn was echoed in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), which dropped by 2.37%
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to settle at 42,801.72.
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Despite this setback, the DJIA remains the only major index with a positive year-to-date performance.
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Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite plunged by 3.5%,
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closing at 18,196.22,
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pushing it into correction territory.
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The bond market also reacted to these developments, with yields displaying mixed movements amid investor uncertainty.
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Economic data played a pivotal role in influencing market sentiment.
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Nonfarm payrolls increased by 151,000 in February, falling short of expectations and contributing to market unease.
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Additionally, average hourly earnings rose by 0.3%,
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while unemployment edged up to 4.1%,
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adding to the complex economic landscape investors are navigating.
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This week's economic calendar features several key dates that could significantly impact market dynamics.
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Investors are closely watching for updates on US foreign trade policies, especially given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding President Trump's tariff actions.
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The delay in tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports under the USMCA has done little to ease market concerns, keeping geopolitical tensions at the forefront of investors' minds.
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Moreover, Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments on Friday provided a measure of stability to the markets.
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Powell suggested that the Federal Reserve might adopt a wait-and-see approach concerning policy changes in trade, immigration, and fiscal regulation.
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This cautious stance is viewed as a stabilizing factor amid the prevailing volatility, as it allows markets to digest potential policy shifts without immediate monetary policy adjustments.
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Sector Performance and Market Trends Despite the overall decline, certain sectors displayed resilience towards the week's end.
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The Utilities sector gained 1.9%,
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Energy rose by 1.7%,
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and Technology saw a modest increase of 1.5%.
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However, the Financials sector declined by 0.5%,
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reflecting broader market apprehensions about economic growth prospects and regulatory changes.
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Oil prices experienced upward pressure due to geopolitical tensions, particularly with President Trump's remarks on potential sanctions against Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict.
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Brent crude closed at $70.36
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per barrel, while WTI settled at $67.04
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per barrel.
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These developments underscore the interconnected nature of global events and market reactions, as energy prices often serve as a barometer for geopolitical risk.
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This week has underscored the volatility inherent in today's markets, with economic data and geopolitical developments playing crucial roles in shaping investor sentiment.
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As markets continue to navigate these complex factors, investors are advised to remain vigilant and informed, utilizing insights from reliable sources such as BlackRock and Edward Jones for timely updates.
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For further insights on the latest financial market trends and expert commentary, consider visiting resources like BlackRock's Weekly Commentary or Edward Jones' Market Update for detailed analyses and projections.
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Disclosure Statement This commentary s for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security, investment product, or service.
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It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any specific person.
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Investors should consider the suitability of the information in light of their own circumstances and consult their own legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment or utilizing any product or service mentioned in this report.
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Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
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All investments involve risks, including the loss of principal invested.
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This report may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, the operations and performance of our businesses.
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You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, which change over time.