Before The Bell
The stock market started strongly yesterday as news of the coronavirus vaccines' first shipments and use helped boost sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was higher by as many as 280 points, while the S&P 500 was up 34 points. However, this positive sentiment did not last long, as New York City Mayor De Blasio stated that the city may be on track for a return to total lockdown in the coming days. This caused traders to question how much all business would be affected. The markets started to trend lower from around 10:30 am and continued to sell off through the rest of the session. By mid-afternoon, the market had given up all of its gains. All told, the selloff accelerated into the close with the Dow and S&P 500 falling 185 points and 16 points, respectively.
Moreover, market breadth was rather negative, as decliners outpaced advancers by a 1.4-to-1.0 ratio. Technology stocks were among the best performers on the day, and energy issues were among the weakest, hurt by declines in the commodity prices.
However, the futures markets showed some signs of a rebound last evening as Congress unveiled a new stimulus deal that will likely have an easier time passing approval. Improving sentiment caused traders to purchase through the night, and the futures are now well into the green, suggesting a strong start to the trading day.
In commodity news, oil prices were modestly lower yesterday, as fears about declining demand caused traders to sell. Meantime, U.S. Treasury bond yields ended the day mixed, with short-term rates rising a bit while long-term rates were lower. This flattening of the yield curve usually is negative for financial companies' earnings. The VIX Volatility Index was higher yesterday as demand for options protection increased.
Looking ahead, a notable amount of economic data will be released today, including the New York Fed manufacturing survey. Moreover, industrial production and import and export prices are also on the docket today. Few earnings results will be released, so this arena is less likely to affect trading today. Overall, we think that the trading session will focus on any developments with the coronavirus, aid package, or vaccine distribution.
- John E. Seibert III
At the time of this article’s writing, the author did not have positions in any of the companies mentioned.
