Will Interest Rates Go Up for the First Time in Nearly a Decade?

Stocks rebounded during the holiday-shortened week as gains in overseas stock markets spurred buying activity, giving the Dow its best week since March. Despite the buying pressure, investors curbed their enthusiasm ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting next week. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 2.07%, the Dow grew 2.05%, and the NASDAQ gained 2.96%.[1]

China’s Growth Sputters

Fresh data out of China showed that factory output missed expectations, supporting the view that China’s economic growth may dip below 7% for the first time since the global recession. Infrastructure investment also fell, leading many experts to believe that China’s central government may be forced to roll out new measures to boost economic growth.[2]

All Eyes on the Fed

This week, the eyes of the world will be on the Federal Reserve as the Open Market Committee votes on whether to raise interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade. The FOMC meets Wednesday and Thursday and will issue their official statement Thursday afternoon. The most recent Wall Street Journal survey of private economists shows that experts are split. Last month, a whopping 82% of economists thought that the Fed would pull the trigger this week; now, just 46% think the Fed will act this month.[3]

There are strong arguments to make on both sides of the issues. On the pro-rate-hike side are the opinions that too much easy money may fuel asset bubbles. Near-zero-rates also leave the Fed without ammunition in the event of another downturn.

On the hold-rates-steady side is the opinion that recent market volatility and ongoing concerns about global economic growth could spark another spate of selling if the Fed moves to raise rates now.[4]

Realistically, if the Fed moves this week to raise rates, they will likely announce a quarter-point raise to target interest rates in the 0.25%-0.50% range. How will markets react to a rate decision? It’s hard to say. Investors might view an increase as a vote of confidence in the economy and rally. Alternately, sentiment might sour on fears of a new economic downturn. As always, we’re keeping an eye on the situation and will update you as necessary.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday: Retail Sales, Empire State Mfg. Survey, Industrial Production, Business Inventories
Wednesday: Consumer Price Index, Housing Market Index, EIA Petroleum Status Report, Treasury International Capital
Thursday: Housing Starts, Jobless Claims, Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey, FOMC Meeting Announcement, FOMC Forecasts, Fed Chair Press Conference

HEADLINES:
Jobless claims drop by 6,000. The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week in the latest sign of health in the labor market. Though weekly claims are notoriously volatile, they have held at historic lows for months now.[5]

Consumer sentiment falls to one-year low. A gauge of Americans’ opinions about the economy fell to the lowest level since last September. Americans are concerned about both current and future conditions.[6]

Import-export prices plummet. The prices of U.S. imports fell by the largest amount in seven months as falling gasoline prices and a strong dollar chipped away at import costs. Export prices also fell, possibly because of weaker global demand.[7]

Job openings hit new record high. July job openings hit a new record high of 5.29 million. The rate of voluntary job separations (‘quits’), held steady, indicating that Americans feel confident enough to leave their jobs in search of greener pastures.[8]

Quote of the Week

“Life is about making an impact, not making an income.”  – Kevin Kruse

Tax Tip of the Week: Deduct Qualifying Moving Expenses

Moving to a new home this year? You may be able to deduct the cost of the move on your tax return if you move to start a new job or because of a job-related transfer. In order to qualify, your move must meet three requirements: Your move is closely related to the start of work. Generally, you may deduct moving expenses that occur within one year of the start date of a new job, though other requirements may apply. Your new job location must be at least 50 miles further from your old home than your prior home. For example, if your old job was three miles away from your home, your new job must be at least 53 miles away. You must work full-time at your new job for at least 39 weeks the first year after the move, even if you are self-employed. You must also work full-time for at least 78 weeks in the first two years of work at the new job site. You can still claim the deduction if you expect to be able to meet this requirement. For more information on job-related moving deductions, consult a qualified tax specialist or see Publication 521, Moving Expenses. Tip courtesy of IRS.gov[10]

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Notes on featured image: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized. Sources: Yahoo! Finance and Treasury.gov. International performance is represented by the MSCI EAFE Index. Corporate bond performance is represented by the DJCBP. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly