Markets Surge on Stellar GDP, S&P Hits Record High

Stock Market Soars on Strong Economic Indicators

Recent data have been painting a rosy picture of the economy, and Thursday’s robust Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report only added more luster. The stock market, sensing the upbeat vibes, followed suit; the S&P 500 hit its fifth record high in a row, and the Dow Jones soared to new heights.

After Intel shared some less-than-stellar forecasts post-market, the Nasdaq also experienced gains, albeit with some tech skepticism.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen Shares Upbeat Economic View

In the midst of this market enthusiasm, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen took the stage at the Economic Club of Chicago with a message of hope. She talked about the ongoing economic growth, the financial improvements seen by many Americans, and the bright prospects ahead as long as inflation stays in check. Her remarks painted a picture of a thriving economy with strong consumer spending and productivity that might just dodge any inflationary speed bumps.

Eyes on Key Inflation Data and Its Impact on Fed Policy

All eyes are now on the horizon, waiting for Friday’s core personal consumption expenditures price index—the Federal Reserve’s inflation gauge of choice. Analysts are predicting a slight uptick from the previous month, but still a leap to 3.0% over the past year.

If the predictions hit the mark, it will point to a steady stride toward the Fed’s 2% inflation goal, quelling some of the worry about tackling inflation once and for all. This upcoming data will play a crucial role in shaping the central bank’s next moves in what seems to be an otherwise promising economic landscape.

Will the “Roaring 2020s” Mirror a Century Ago?

Ed Yardeni from Yardeni Research is betting on an even sunnier future, invoking the post-Spanish flu boom of a hundred years ago to herald what he dubs the “Roaring 2020s.” Yardeni bases his optimism on the current labor shortage pushing businesses toward innovation and tech advancements, thus boosting productivity.

Recent government reports support this viewpoint, which might be the key to reducing inflation while increasing GDP, wages, and profits. With this economic wind in our sails, Yardeni sees the Federal Reserve possibly relaxing its grip rather than tightening, a scenario where equity investors could see massive wins, with the S&P 500 possibly hitting a stratospheric 5,400 by 2024.