Stock market records the fourth consecutive week of growth

US market review by April 6

On Friday stocks demonstrated a reversal from going down to increasing and transformed morning losses into the growth by the end of the day. Eventually NASDAQ increased for 1.2 %. 1% of growth was granted to NYSE Composite and S&P 500 indices, 0.5% - to Dow industry index. In comparison with Thursday level, NASDAQ and NYSE volume fell down for 23 % and 21 % respectively. Friday provided one more proof of the stock market’s strength. Increased number of purchases started prior to closing promoted major indices to the top of their daily range.

The week increase of NASDAQ was 5 %, of NYSE – 4.4 %, S&P 500 - 3.3 %, and +3.1 % to Dow. S&P 600 index for small-cap companies had shot up for 6.8 %. It was the fourth consecutive week of growth for major indices. In the case of NASDAQ we see the fourth consecutive week of prominent growth. Technological index grew more than for 25% in this period being ahead of NYSE indices. The flow of positive or “better than expected” economic data conduced to a new upward trend of the stock market. Two reports of Friday morning seemed to threaten this tendency. In March employment market lost 663 000 workplaces, unemployment rate reached 8.5% and is expected to grow further.

Unemployment rate went up to its maximum for 25 years, as Department of Labor reports. Analysts forecast that within four or five months we’ll see over 500 thousand of losses of workplaces. Unemployment rate is believed to reach its maximum - 9.5 % - in October, whereas more pessimistic forecast reports about 10% next year. 1 year before a more extended rate, including both part-time and full-time employees, grew from 9.1% to 15.6%. Department of Labor revised January report about workplaces with 86 000 growth.

Institute of Supply Management Index – indicator of economic activity in services sector – went down to 40.8. A slight growth was expected. For the first hour of trades this data declined the market. Research in Motion (RIMM) was leading in techs shares. On the late Thursday BlackBerry manufacturer reported about quarter profit which exceeded estimations.

RIMM increased for as much as 21 % and was the most traded stock on NASDAQ. In the meantime reserves started decline. On the contrary, golden shares such as Randgold Resources (GOLD) and Royal Gold (RGLD) sharply declined within the last days.
Still there are a few opportunities for purchasing shares, because just a few shares formed correct basis and strong start for prices. IBD 100 demonstrated poor 0.2% of growth on Friday and just 1% within a week. Gilead Sciences (GILD) was ahead with 2.28% of increase up to 46.98 in active trading. Medicine manufacturer grew after the positive results of the last stage of clinical testing of the pressure control appliance were reported. Allegiant Travel (ALGT) declined heavily for 3.68 down to 45.42. Airline service operator reported about the pop as of 15.8 % in the year traffic. The level of return of 10-year’s Treasuries increased for 2.90 % from 2.75 % on the market of state obligations on Thursday’s closing.

 

On Thursday stock market finished shortened week by significant increase due to the optimistic forecast by Wells Fargo (WFC). NASDAQ and NYSE indices both grew for 3.9 %; S&P 500 went up with a leap for 3.8 %, and Dow index added 3.1 %. The growth flashed around the market, only four groups from 197 IBD sectors fell down. On the NYSE market the relation between advanced and declined stocks was as of 15 against 2 – due to the plenty of bank stocks and for NASDAQ this relation was as of 5 against 2. The volume of two major stocks grew; here NYSE was leading. It can be explained by huge trading volumes with Wells Fargo and Bank of America (BAC) stocks as well as with other stocks of financial sector. The mere volume of trading with BofA stocks amounted to more than 1 billion of stocks presenting solely the largest volume increase on the NYSE market. Wells Fargo surprised Wall Street having reported about preliminary profit as of 55 cents per share for the first Quarter.

Rise of bank shares was caused by the reaction after their profound recession. Friday increase reversed the week from decline into growth. The volume decreased but it might happen because of the shortened week.
The most positive news is that now major indices have 5 week’s raising history. The lowest indices for many years were supported by the gradually growing market at last. NASDAQ grew for 31 % against its minimum on March, 9th. NYSE grew for 29 % against its minimum on March, 6th; S&P 500 added 28 %, and Dow - 25 %.
Here is one more sign of that economy is getting better: Retails stocks are returning as leading. Aeropostale (ARO) clothing store chain increased for 12 %. In March its comparable sales were beneath the forecast, but the company expects to earn 35 cents per share in the first quarter, much more than the forecast gives. Besides, Buckle (BKE) stocks grew for 10 %. Jos. A. Bank Clothiers (JOSB) increased for 5 % on Thursday and for 20 % on Wednesday.