The S&P 500 capped a third week of gains, albeit barely – as a final hour surge on Friday was buoyed by optimism over a solid March payrolls report and a pullback in crude oil prices below $100/barrel. Investor optimism was however held in check on the flip side argument that strong employment reinforces a more aggressive policy stance by the Federal Reserve. The current outlook calls for at least six more interest rate hikes this year.
The House passed SECURE Act 2.0 which aims to continue to overhaul retirement accounts and planning for the future. Stay tuned for the progression of this bill through the Senate.
Here's what we are reading this week:
Weekly Commentary - Impact of the drive for energy security - BlackRock
BlackRock sees the West’s drive for energy security slowing growth, increasing inflation and stoking demand for non-Russian fossil fuels to alleviate consumer pain.
Data last week showed U.S. inflation at 40-year highs and a robust labor market. BlackRock expect the Fed to deliver on this year’s projected rate rises and then pause.
Global activity gauges this week may show how surging commodities prices are affecting global economies. BlackRock see Europe as most vulnerable to the shock.
Why we think the Fed is still behind the curve - Capital Group
An interesting read on the coming interest rate tightening cycle and what's contributing to inflation.
Exposure to Russia looms large for Europe, less so for the world - Capital Group
Capital Group looks at Europe exposure to Russian energy dependence.
