Stocks ended the week on a down note following a disappointing reading on inflation. The Labor Department said earlier that the producer price index (PPI), which measures what suppliers are charging businesses and other customers for goods and services, was up 7.4% year-over-year in November and 0.3% month-over-month. Ahead of next week's Fed meeting, investors were hoping for a bigger sign that inflation is easing, and that was reflected in today's price action.
Diving deeper into today's PPI update, the yearly increase was lower than the 8.1% annual jump seen in October, while the monthly rise matched the previous report. Both November readings were higher than economists were expecting, however. The bulk of the gains came from rising food prices, which were up 3.3% over October. On the flip side, energy prices were down 3.3% from the month prior.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Also in focus today was the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment report, which edged up to 59.1 in December's preliminary reading from November's 56.8. Additionally, consumer inflation expectations for the next 12 months declined slightly, to 4.6% from last month's 4.9%.
The upbeat consumer sentiment reading helped stocks finish off their lows, but the major market indexes still ended the day lower. At the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was off 0.9% at 33,476, the S&P 500 Index was 0.7% lower at 3,934, and the Nasdaq Composite was down 0.7% at 11,004.
Low-Volatility ETFs to Consider
Next week is a big one. The November consumer price index (CPI) is due out Tuesday morning, while the Federal Reserve's next policy announcement will be released on Wednesday afternoon. "Clearly inflationary pressures are abating, from input costs to supply chain pressures, and in some cases demand and wages," says Matt Peron, director of research at Janus Henderson Investors. "However, that is not yet being reflected in the official inflation statistics, including this morning's PPI. This may keep some pressure on the Fed to maintain higher policy rates and as a result will pressure equity prices in the near term." Although Peron says his team remains "cautious on risk assets until the inflation picture" is resolved, they "do see a light at the end of the tunnel in coming months."
Investors concerned about the potential for additional volatility in the equities market over the near term do have options. Quality dividend stocks and high-yield exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are just two of the ways investors can protect against any additional stock market turbulence. Low-volatility ETFs are another good option. The 10 funds featured here should help investors reduce volatility in their portfolios, and they do so using a number of different strategies. Check them out.
-
Here's Why I'm Upgrading to the iPhone 17The iPhone 17 is here. Learn what's new, where the best deals are and whether it's worth the switch.
-
September Fed Meeting: Live Updates and CommentaryThe September Fed meeting is a key economic event, with Wall Street keyed into what Fed Chair Powell & Co. will do about interest rates.
-
September Fed Meeting: Live Updates and Commentary
The September Fed meeting is a key economic event, with Wall Street keyed into what Fed Chair Powell & Co. will do about interest rates.
-
Dow Gains 617 Points as Rate Cuts Near: Stock Market TodayWednesday's economic data didn't shift Wall Street's expectations that the Fed is preparing for a rate cut at next week's meeting.
-
Hot August CPI Report Doesn't Shift the Rate-Cut Needle: What the Experts SayThe August CPI came in higher than forecast on a monthly basis, but Wall Street still expects a rate cut at next week's Fed meeting.
-
S&P 500 Hits New High After Oracle Earnings: Stock Market TodayAnother down day for Apple held the Dow Jones Industrial Average back, though.
-
Stocks Grind Up to New All-Time Highs: Stock Market TodayUnitedHealth stock led the Dow Jones Industrial Average amid increasing signs the labor market has not been well for months.
-
Markets Prepare for August Inflation Data: Stock Market TodayApple CEO Tim Cook is still important, but price action this week is as much about incoming inflation data ahead of next week's Fed meeting.
-
Stocks Slip as Job Growth Stalls: Stock Market TodayThe August jobs report came in much weaker than expected, while the unemployment rate ticked higher.
-
Dismal August Jobs Report Offers Rate-Cut Relief: What the Experts Are SayingThe August jobs report came in much lower than expected, lifting the odds that several rate cuts will come through by year's end.
