Scroll Top

Financial News for the Week Ending May 18th

All the news you need to stay informed about what’s currently driving the market – courtesy of Raffa Wealth Management, LLC.

US stocks had another record setting week on positive consumer sentiment and other economic readings.  The S&P 500 gained 2.1% and the Dow rose 1.6% for the week.  Japan saw stocks advance to a 52 week high gaining 3.6% and Europe rose 1.2%.  On the positive upswing for stocks the 10 year US Treasury yield rose to 1.95% and gold sank to $1,364.90 an ounce.  Article

IPOs are on pace to raise the most money since the financial crisis.  So far in 2013, 64 companies have raised $16.8 billion in initial public offerings.

Retails sales rose 0.1% in April as declines in food and gas prices allowed consumers to spend more elsewhere.

Japan’s GDP grew 3.5% to start the year outpacing expectations, an early sign that Japan’s stimulus measures are having an effect on the economy.  The mark was up from the 1% growth seen in the 4th quarter.  Article

The euro zone has now entered its worst slump since the end of World War II as first quarter GDP was -0.9%, the sixth straight quarter of contraction for the country bloc.  The readings raise more questions about fiscal austerity and their remains a stark contrast between the slightly positive growth of the northern countries and the near depression conditions of the southern countries.  Article

The CPI-U for April fell 0.4% driven by falling food and energy prices for the second straight monthly drop.  The annual inflation rate is now at 1.7% excluding food and energy prices, well below the Fed’s target rate.  Article

About

Raffa Wealth Management is an independent investment advisor providing nonprofit organizations, high net-worth investors, and qualified retirement plans with a full range of investment consulting services.  We were established to fill the need for transparency, clarity, and vision in the professional management of investment assets.   Visit us at www.raffawealth.com