Market Week: February 13, 2023
The Markets (as of market close February 10, 2023)
Stocks dipped lower last week as investors mulled the direction of the economy as the Federal Reserve continued to increase interest rates, bolstered by January’s strong labor report. With fourth-quarter corporate earnings reporting season nearing a close, fewer companies are topping profit expectations, which may be another indication of a slowing economy. Each of the benchmark indexes posted weekly losses, with the S&P 500 turning in its worst weekly performance of the year. The yield on 10-year Treasuries rose 21.0 basis points as bond prices declined. Crude oil prices jumped late last week following Russia’s announcement that it plans to cut oil production by about 5.0% next month in retaliation against Western oil sanctions. The dollar inched higher, while gold prices slipped lower.