Financial News and Portfolio Management Discussion through April 6th

US stocks rose over the weak on positive economic news and optimism over US/China trade negotiations.  The S&P 500 rose 2.1% and the Dow gained 1.9% for the week.  Abroad, Europe was up 2.4% and Japan surged 2.8% for the week.  The yield on the 10-Year Treasury ended the week at 2.50% up from the previous week.

The March jobs report topped expectations with 196,000 jobs added, a solid rebound from weak February numbers, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.8%.  Wages grew at 3.2%, up slightly from February, but falling short of expectations.

A gauge of Chinese manufacturing activity hit a six month high in March, well above expectations.

US manufacturing picked up its pace in March posting better than expected readings.  Manufacturing in Germany, Japan and South Korea however showed weakness.

Auto makers posted a 2% sales decline in the first quarter.

A reading of China’s service sector rose to a 14th month high.

Eurozone service sector activity in March rose at its strongest rate since November.

There is no guarantee that any investment strategy, including those described here, will be successful. Any investment or investment strategy can lose money. Past performance does not guarantee or predict future results. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained herein serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Raffa Wealth Management, LLC. This information was gathered from reliable sources, but we cannot guarantee accuracy. Indexes do not reflect the fees associated with actual investments and such fees would reduce the performance illustrated. Source: FMG Suite, LLC.
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