Month of January 2022
Market Month: January 2022
The Markets (as of market close January 31, 2022)
Stocks ended January lower as investors dealt with concerns over inflation, the prospects of rising interest
rates, and the pace of global economic recovery. The start of fourth-quarter corporate earnings season in
January was positive, but not as robust as was seen in December. While the economy advanced at an
annualized rate of nearly 7.0% in the fourth quarter, 2022 is expected to see a slowdown triggered by
ongoing coronavirus disruptions and fading fiscal support. Escalating tensions between the United States
and Russia offered further market agitation.
A late rally wasn't enough to prevent the major benchmark indexes from closing out one of the worst
months since March 2020. Only the Global Dow was able to eke out a January gain. An end-of-month rally
helped the Nasdaq avert the sharpest January decline on record. Nevertheless, tech stocks were hit hard in
January as investors pondered how rising interest rates might weigh on that sector's pricey valuations. The
small caps of the Russell 2000 dropped more than 9.5%, while the large caps of the S&P 500 (-5.3%) and
the Dow (-3.3%) slid lower.
Not surprisingly, most of the market sectors declined in January. Consumer discretionary fell the furthest,
losing 9.7%, followed by real estate, which dropped 8.5%. Information technology, health care, and
materials ended down 6.9%, while communication services lost 6.4%. Energy showed continued strength,
climbing 19.0%. In fact, the price of crude oil climbed 17.0% last month for its biggest January gain in the
last 30 years.
Despite the market downturn, there were some positive economic signs. Nearly 200,000 new jobs were
added and fourth-quarter GDP advanced 6.9%. However, industrial production slowed, and new orders for
durable goods decreased.
January saw the dollar climb higher, while gold prices dropped 1.7%. Prices at the pump rose in January,
as the national average retail price for regular gasoline was $3.323 per gallon on January 24, up from the
December 27, 2021 price of $3.275 per gallon.
Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.
Latest Economic Reports
- Employment: Job growth slowed for the second consecutive month in December with the addition of
199,000 new jobs, well below the 2021 monthly average of 537,000. Employment has increased by 18.8
million since April 2020 but is down by 3.6 million, or 2.3%, from its pre-pandemic level in February
2020. The unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage point to 3.9%. The number of unemployed persons
fell by 483,000 to 6.3 million. For 2021, the unemployment rate fell 2.8 percentage points and the
number of unemployed persons dropped 4.5 million. While both measures are down considerably from
their highs at the end of the February-April 2020 recession, they remain above their levels prior to the
coronavirus pandemic (3.5% and 5.7 million, respectively, in February 2020). Among the unemployed,
the number of workers who permanently lost their jobs declined by 202,000 to 1.7 million in December,
although this is 408,000 higher than in February 2020. The labor force participation rate was unchanged
at 61.9% in December but remains 1.5 percentage points lower than in February 2020. The
employment-population ratio increased by 0.2 percentage point to 59.5% but is 1.7 percentage points
below below its February 2020 level. In December, average hourly earnings increased by $0.19 to
$31.31. For 2021, average hourly earnings rose by 4.7%. The average work week was unchanged at
34.7 hours in December.
- There were 260,000 initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week ended January 22. Over the
course of 2021, initial weekly claims and total claims for unemployment insurance benefits steadily
decreased on a monthly basis, with initial weekly claims hitting a low of 188,000 in early December. As
of January 15, 2022, there were 1,675,000 total claims for unemployment benefits. For comparison,
there were 4,878,000 total claims for unemployment insurance a year earlier.
- FOMC/interest rates: The Federal Open Market Committee met in January and agreed to continue to
cut its asset purchase programs, bringing them to an end in early March. However, the Committee
decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0.00%-0.25%. Nevertheless, the FOMC
noted that with inflation well above 2.0% and a strong labor market, it will soon be appropriate to raise
the target range for the federal funds rate.
- GDP/budget: Gross domestic product rose 6.9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared with a 2.3%
advance in the third quarter. Consumer spending, as measured by personal consumption expenditures,
climbed 3.3% in the fourth quarter (2.0% in the third quarter). The PCE price index, a measure of
inflation, increased 6.5% in the fourth quarter after advancing 5.3% in the third quarter. For 2021, the
PCE price index rose 3.9% compared with a 1.2% increase in 2020. Gross private domestic investment,
which includes nonresidential and residential fixed investment, vaulted 32.0% in the fourth quarter after
gaining 12.4% in the third quarter. Nonresidential (business) fixed investment increased 2.0% (1.7% in
the third quarter), while residential fixed investment decreased 0.8% (-7.7% in the third quarter). Exports
jumped 24.5% in the fourth quarter after falling 5.3% in the prior quarter. Imports climbed 17.7%
following a 4.4% rise in the third quarter.
- December saw the federal budget deficit come in at $21.3 billion, down roughly $122.3 billion from
December 2020. The deficit for the first three months of fiscal year 2022, at $377.7 billion, is $195.2
billion lower than the first three months of the previous fiscal year. Compared to the same period last
fiscal year, government outlays rose $53.3 billion, while receipts increased $245.5 billion. Through the
first three months of fiscal year 2022 compared to the same period last year, individual income taxes are
up $188.4 billion, while corporate income taxes have risen $29.8 billion.
- Inflation/consumer spending: According to the latest Personal Income and Outlays report for
December, personal income advanced 0.3% and disposable personal income rose 0.2% after increasing
0.5% and 0.4%, respectively, in November. Consumer spending declined 0.6% in December after
increasing 0.4% the previous month. Consumer prices climbed 0.4% in December following a 0.6% gain
in November. Consumer prices rose 5.8% since December 2020.
- The Consumer Price Index climbed 0.5% in December after advancing 0.8% in November. In 2021, the
CPI rose 7.0% — the largest 12-month gain since June 1982. Price growth was broad based, with most
major categories showing an increase, led by used cars and trucks (3.5%) and apparel (1.7%). Prices
for food rose 0.5% in December. Energy prices fell 0.4% in December, pulled lower by a 0.5% dip in
gasoline prices and a 2.4% decrease in fuel oil prices. Nevertheless, for 2021, energy prices increased
29.3%, with gasoline prices climbing 49.6% and fuel oil prices rising 41.0%. Also of note in 2021, food
prices rose 6.3%, new vehicle prices advanced 10.7%, and prices for used cars and trucks climbed
37.3%.
- Prices that producers receive for goods and services rose 0.2% in December following a 1.0%
November jump. Producer prices increased 9.7% in 2021, the largest advance since data was first
calculated in November 2010. Producer prices less foods, energy, and trade services rose 0.4% in
December after increasing 0.8% the previous month. In December, prices for services increased 0.5%,
while prices for goods fell 0.4%, pulled lower by a 3.35 drop in energy prices. For the year, prices less
foods, energy, and trade services moved up 6.9%, the largest rise since 12-month data was first
calculated in August 2014.
- Housing: Sales of existing homes in December fell for the first time following three consecutive monthly
gains. Existing home sales dropped 4.6% in December from November's total. The median
existing-home price was $358,000 in December, up from $353,900 in November and 15.8% from
December 2020. Unsold inventory of existing homes represents a 1.8-month supply at the current sales
pace, a decline from both November (2.1 months) and from one year ago (1.9 months). Sales of existing
single-family homes decreased 4.3% in December after increasing 1.6% in November. For 2021, sales
of existing single-family homes fell 6.8%. The median existing single-family home price was $364,300 in
December, up from $362,600 in November.
- Unlike sales of existing homes, sales of new single-family homes advanced 11.9% in December after
climbing 12.4% in November. The median sales price of new single-family houses sold in December
was $377,700 ($416,100 in November). The December average sales price was $457,300 ($479,300 in
November). The inventory of new single-family homes for sale in December represented a supply of 6.0
months at the current sales pace, down from the November estimate of 6.6 months. Despite the growth
in the number of new homes sold at the end of the year, for 2021, sales of new single-family homes fell
14.0% compared to 2020.
- Manufacturing: Industrial production declined 0.1% in December. Losses of 0.3% for manufacturing
and 1.5% for utilities were mostly offset by a gain of 2.0% for mining. Total industrial production in
December was 3.7% higher than it was at the end of 2020 and 0.6% above its pre-pandemic (February
2020) reading. Manufacturing increased 3.5% in 2021, mining rose 11.0%, while utilities decreased
3.4%. Industrial production of some market groups in 2021 was noteworthy, including automotive
products (-6.4%), home electronics (+3.1%), foods and tobacco (-0.8%), and clothing (+2.6%).
- December saw new orders for durable goods decrease 0.9% after increasing 3.2% in November.
Excluding transportation, new orders increased 0.4%. Excluding defense, new orders increased 0.1%.
Transportation equipment, down three of the last four months, drove the decrease, falling 3.9%. For
2021, new orders for durable goods rose 20.9%.
- Imports and exports: Both import and export prices declined in December. Import prices fell 0.2% after
increasing 0.7% in the prior month. This is the first decrease in monthly import prices since August 2021.
Nevertheless, import prices increased 10.4% in 2021, the largest calendar-year rise since import prices
advanced 10.6% in 2007. Import fuel prices fell 6.5% in December, the first monthly decline since
August 2021 and the largest drop since a 30.9% decrease in April 2020. Despite the December
decrease, import fuel prices rose 62.7% in 2021, the largest calendar-year advance since advancing
114.7% in 1999. Excluding fuel prices, import prices rose 0.5% in December and 6.4% for 2021. Export
prices declined 1.8% in December after rising 0.8% in November. The December decline was the
largest one-month drop since the index fell 3.5% in April 2020. Despite the December decrease, export
prices rose 14.7% from December 2020 to December 2021. The 2021 advance was the largest
calendar-year increase since the series was first published in 1984.
- The international trade in goods deficit was $101.0 billion in December, up $2.9 billion, or 3.0%, from
November. Exports of goods were $157.3 billion in December, $2.2 billion more than in November.
Imports of goods were $258.3 billion in December, $5.1 billion more than in November.
- The latest information on international trade in goods and services, released January 6, is for November
and shows that the goods and services trade deficit rose by $13.0 billion to $80.2 billion from the
October deficit. November exports were $224.2 billion, $0.4 billion more than October exports.
November imports were $304.4 billion, $13.4 billion more than October imports. Year to date, the goods
and services deficit increased $174.6 billion, or 28.6%, from the same period in 2020. Exports increased
$354.4 billion, or 18.2%. Imports increased $529.0 billion, or 20.7%.
- International markets: The Biden administration held discussions with several of the largest banks in
the United States on possible sanctions against Russia in efforts to ensure such actions won't disrupt
the global financial system. Tensions remained high after Russia stationed tens of thousands of troops
on Ukraine's border. While the Russian government has repeatedly said it has no intention of invading
the country, Western allies are discussing a variety of measures should activity escalate. In addition,
several European countries are working to diversify fuel supplies in the event a conflict disrupts
shipments of gasoline and diesel from Russia. Elsewhere, Germany's economy contracted in the fourth
quarter of 2021 as its gross domestic product dipped 0.7%. Taiwan's economy expanded in 2021 at its
fastest pace in eleven years. The central banks in several countries raised interest rates in 2021,
including the United Kingdom, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and South Africa. In the markets for
January, the STOXX Europe 600 Index dropped 4.0%; the United Kingdom's FTSE gained 1.0%;
Japan's Nikkei 225 Index dipped 6.2%; and China's Shanghai Composite Index declined 7.6%.
- Consumer confidence: The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® declined in January. The
index stands at 113.8, down from 115.2 in December. The Present Situation Index, based on
consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions, improved to 148.2 in January
from 144.8 in December. The Expectations Index, based on consumers' short-term outlook for income,
business, and labor market conditions, declined to 90.8 in January, down from December's 95.4.
Eye on the Month Ahead
A common adage for the stock market says that as January goes, so goes the year. Hopefully, such is not
the case for 2022. The Federal Open Market Committee does not meet in February, giving investors more
time to ponder what course to follow with the impending interest-rate hike looming in March.
Data sources: Economic: Based on data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (unemployment, inflation);
U.S. Department of Commerce (GDP, corporate profits, retail sales, housing); S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City
Composite Index (home prices); Institute for Supply Management (manufacturing/services). Performance:
Based on data reported in WSJ Market Data Center (indexes); U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields); U.S.
Energy Information Administration/Bloomberg.com Market Data (oil spot price, WTI Cushing, OK);
www.goldprice.org (spot gold/silver); Oanda/FX Street (currency exchange rates). News items are based
on reports from multiple commonly available international news sources (i.e., wire services) and are
independently verified when necessary with secondary sources such as government agencies, corporate
press releases, or trade organizations. All information is based on sources deemed reliable, but no
warranty or guarantee is made as to its accuracy or completeness. Neither the information nor any opinion
expressed herein constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, and should not be
relied on as financial advice. Forecasts are based on current conditions, subject to change, and may not
come to pass. U.S. Treasury securities are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment
of principal and interest. The principal value of Treasury securities and other bonds fluctuates with market
conditions. Bonds are subject to inflation, interest-rate, and credit risks. As interest rates rise, bond prices
typically fall. A bond sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss. Past performance is no
guarantee of future results. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, and there can
be no guarantee that any investing strategy will be successful.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a price-weighted index composed of 30 widely traded
blue-chip U.S. common stocks. The S&P 500 is a market-cap weighted index composed of the common
stocks of 500 largest, publicly traded companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. The NASDAQ
Composite Index is a market-value weighted index of all common stocks listed on the NASDAQ stock
exchange. The Russell 2000 is a market-cap weighted index composed of 2,000 U.S. small-cap common
stocks. The Global Dow is an equally weighted index of 150 widely traded blue-chip common stocks
worldwide. The U.S. Dollar Index is a geometrically weighted index of the value of the U.S. dollar relative to
six foreign currencies. Market indexes listed are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment.
Important Disclosures
This information has been designed for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such offers can only be made where lawful under applicable law. These materials have been obtained and derived based on information from public and private sources that Zhang Financial LLC believes to be reliable. However, no representation, warranty or undertaking, stated or implied, is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and Zhang Financial LLC expressly disclaims any liability for the accuracy and completeness of this information. Zhang Financial LLC does not intend to provide investment advice through these materials and does not represent that any market position, economic forecast, securities or services are suitable for any investor. Investors are advised not to rely on these materials in the process of making a fully informed investment decision and they do not render business, tax or legal advice. Each client or prospective client should consult his/her own attorney, business advisor and tax advisor as to legal, business, tax and related matters concerning the information contained herein. The information, opinions and views contained herein have not been tailored to the investment objectives of any one individual, are current only as of the date noted and may be subject to change at any time without prior notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investing involves risk of loss including the possible loss of principal.
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