We avoided a big selloff but there was verylittle rebound.
The S&P 500 continues to languish around the 200 day moving average.
The markets had much to digest of late.
There are the tariffs on the front page, but there is plenty behind that.
The Fed did not cut interest rates last week and indicated that there may only be two such cuts this year if that.
You have the concern that we are entering a trade war with other countries.
The cease fire in Gaza came to an end with Israel on the attack again.
The one good thing is that energy prices have dipped helping to offset some of the inflationary impact and food prices have followed suit.
You don’t have to cash in your retirement account to buy eggs now.
This week the Fed will issue its preferred inflation measure, the Personal Consumption Expenditure, which will catch attention.
Never forget that April 2 is the drop-dead date for reciprocal tariffs.
There is no end to events or news that could have an impact on the markets.
I am of a vintage that I need current income from my investments to fund whatever I am currently wasting money on.
I was concerned about energy stocks, especially under the previous administration who was essentially waging war against fossil fuel companies.
With the current administration there has come some relief.
I mention this sector as many of these companies pay a healthy dividend.
That is not to say that you put your money in this sector for life, but you do have a window.
I do believe that the future for fossil fuels is not as bleak as many would suggest.
I have maintained a position in Phillip Morris for years and, with all the thought that smoking was long gone, they still make money.
I understand the concept of socially acceptable products, but they don’t always make profits.
Just look at the highly touted plant-based meat products that were all the rage, but have a tough time today.
I say all this to warn against decisions based on the latest trend or economic theory.
We have to change and adapt all the time and at a faster pace each day.
Though that is a reality, it is also a reality that it takes longer than most project.
Speaking of stocks out of favor, Boeing landed the contract for the next new bomber for the Federal Government.
Their fortunes have been pathetic and self-inflicted for the last several years.
I am not recommending the stock, but it could hardly do any worse if it tried.
If you are looking for value you might be surprised what you can find going against the prevailing trends.
As bad as the drought here in Central Texas we finally got rain but of course it came with hail.
The lesson here is you just never know what you will get no matter what.
