The Week on Wall Street
Despite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate,
stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined
0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.22% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed
overseas stock markets, gained 1.42%.[1][2][3]
Groundhog Week
The announcement of another potential COVID-19 vaccine ignited
strong gains to begin the week. But, like the week that preceded it, the gains sparked by the vaccine
news were eroded in the following days as worries over the economic impact of new infections moved to
the fore.
The market has been grappling with conflicting narratives. One is the optimistic view that, with COVID-19 vaccines apparently near at-hand, the return to economic normalcy grows ever closer. That hopeful outlook has been offset by anxiety over new infections, rising hospitalizations, and some local and state lockdowns.
These crosscurrents kept stocks range bound for the week, with the technology sector and small and mid-size stocks lending support to the overall market.
Powell Sounds a Warning
In a speech last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome
Powell warned that the nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases could hamper economic activity in the
upcoming months. He expressed concern that consumer spending may trend lower despite efforts to
control the spread of infections.[4]
Powell once again voiced his support for additional fiscal stimulus to assist small businesses, state and local governments, and the unemployed. He also said that even after full economic recovery, some businesses and workers may wrestle with an economic landscape altered by the coronavirus.
THIS WEEK: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Tuesday: Consumer
Confidence.
Wednesday: Durable Goods Orders, Gross Domestic Product (GDP),
Jobless Claims, Consumer Sentiment, New Home Sales.
Source: Econoday, November 20, 2020
The Econoday economic calendar lists
upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy
meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from
sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements
are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.
THIS WEEK: COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS
Tuesday: Best Buy
(BBY), Medtronic (MDT), Dollar Tree (DLTR), Dell Technologies (DELL), VMware (VMW), Analog Devices
(ADI)
Friday: Deere & Company (DE)
Source: Zacks, November 20, 2020
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- The Wall Street Journal, November 20, 2020
- The Wall Street Journal, November 20, 2020
- The Wall Street Journal, November 20, 2020
- CNN.com, November 17, 2020