After Brexit, Markets Have a Week To Pick Up The Pieces Before July 4 Holiday

So how do the markets follow up a momentous week? Probably with fewer fireworks, at least until the July 4 holiday. But pressure and volatility may continue amid growing uncertainty about the world economy in the wake of Brexit.

This coming week means sifting through the remains of last week’s unexpected and market-busting British decision to cut ties with the European Union. The first instinct investors often have at times like these is to run to safety, and that certainly seemed to be the case Friday, with the dollar rising to three-month highs vs. the euro and U.S. Treasury bond yields falling to near record lows.

The effects of this unprecedented decision will likely continue boomeranging around the markets in the weeks and months to come, and the long-term ramifications are far from certain. Will safety plays continue to look attractive even as yields sink into the murk? Will cheaper stocks draw in some bargain hunters? That may already be happening, as some of the initial sharp plunge in U.S. stocks early Friday got erased after the first hour of the session. Stocks fell again after that, but it does seem there’s some buying interest at lower levels.

While the VIX volatility index rocketed all the way up to 23 shortly after Friday’s opening bell, it fell back to below 21 by midday. That’s still historically high, but not in the stratosphere. Volatility soared ahead of Brexit, another example of how uncertainty can cause volatility. Now the uncertainty around the Brexit vote lies in the past, but what Brexit might mean in the future is less than clear. That means volatility may not be finished.

One thing that should be immediately apparent is that Brexit is a long process, with a couple years ahead to see how it all plays out. That means it may eventually become more of a background noise rather than the jackhammer it’s been the last few days. Britain has to choose a new prime minister, and then enter what’s expected to be a two-year process in which it re-negotiates its trading status with the E.U. There’s no way to predict how that may play out or which companies’ stocks could see the biggest negative or positive impacts. Certainly the financial sector took an initial hit, because many are concerned that current low yields could now last longer, and fears rose about the possibility of recession.

And with Brexit triggering concerns about possible slower economic growth, headlines popped up all over on Friday that a Fed rate hike is probably off the table for 2016, and that the Fed might even lower rates from already rock-bottom levels. Remember, just a month ago, the futures market was pricing in a 60% chance of July hike. Until Friday, many analysts had expected at least one more rate hike, and possibly two, before the end of the year. The Fed’s next meeting is in a month, and it could be informative to listen to Fed speakers over the coming weeks to get their take on Brexit and its potential effect on the U.S.

Beyond Brexit, what lies ahead more immediately this coming week? Earnings season remains a couple weeks away, and the July 4 holiday means a holiday week lies between now and earnings. The July 4 season is typically a quieter time in U.S. markets, though perhaps this year could be an exception due to Brexit. The monthly jobs report for June is due on Friday, July 8, so there’s still some time ahead of that key data. Some analysts expect the report to show significant improvement from May’s anemic 38,000 headline number.

A few companies are scheduled to report earnings in the coming days, including Nike Inc. NKE on Tuesday, Monsanto Company MON on Wednesday and Darden Restaurants, Inc. DRI on Thursday, but nothing really momentous looms on the earnings front. As far as economic data, the government’s third estimate for Q1 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) arrives early Tuesday, the Core PCE Price Index is Wednesday, and June auto and truck sales come out Friday.

2Q Economic Outlook Dims: The Atlanta Fed put out a revised 2Q GDP estimate Friday, revising it down to 2.6% from its prior 2.8%. It’s unclear if the Fed worked Friday’s Brexit results into its latest estimate, though it’s unlikely that Brexit could have much effect on 2Q economic growth, considering just days remain in the quarter. In lowering its estimate, the Atlanta Fed said it’s dialing down expectations for real residential growth in 2Q to 1.7% from its prior 3.6% after Thursday’s May new home sales, prices, and construction costs report.

Banks Pass Stress Test: Though the financial sector came under pressure Friday after the Brexit vote, there’s apparently nothing to fear about banks’ ability to hold up under stress. Results of the Fed’s supervisory stress tests for 33 bank holding companies with $50 billion or more in total consolidated assets came out late Thursday, and all 33 bank holding companies passed the test under both the severely adverse scenario and the adverse scenario. That could mean most, if not all, of the bank holding companies will probably win approval of their capital return programs when the results of the Fed’s Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review are released after the close this coming Wednesday, according to Briefing.com.

 

Inclusion of specific security names in this commentary does not constitute a recommendation from TD Ameritrade to buy, sell, or hold.

Market volatility, volume, and system availability may delay account access and trade executions.

Past performance of a security or strategy does not guarantee future results or success.

Options are not suitable for all investors as the special risks inherent to options trading may expose investors to potentially rapid and substantial losses. Options trading subject to TD Ameritrade review and approval. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before investing in options.

Supporting documentation for any claims, comparisons, statistics, or other technical data will be supplied upon request.

The information is not intended to be investment advice or construed as a recommendation or endorsement of any particular investment or investment strategy, and is for illustrative purposes only. Be sure to understand all risks involved with each strategy, including commission costs, before attempting to place any trade. Clients must consider all relevant risk factors, including their own personal financial situations, before trading.

TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. © 2016 TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Date
ticker
name
Actual EPS
EPS Surprise
Actual Rev
Rev Surprise
Posted In: EarningsNewsRestaurantsEventsGlobalEcon #sEconomicsMarketsGeneral
We simplify the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!

Loading...