Stocks surged after Friday’s better-than-expected June jobs report. The S&P 500 closed Friday less than a point from its record closing high of 2,130.82 reached in May 2015. Last spring was the only time the index had ever closed above 2,130… until now.
Today, the rally continued as the S&P 500 set a record intraday high of 2,143.13, topping its previous all-time high by nearly 10 points. Closing above its May 2015 record at 2,137.16, the S&P 500 confirms the second-longest bull market in its history. In addition, the NASDAQ crossed 5,000 for the first time in 2016. Despite global worries, we’re happy to see that investors are responding to success stories at home.
After April and May jobs reports introduced worries of a labor market slowdown, the June report showed that the economy added 287,000 new jobs last month. Since expectations called for around 165,000 jobs, investors counted the report as a solid win for the economy.
How many jobs does the economy need to support sustainable growth? According to a survey of Wall Street Journal economists, the break-even number for sustainable labor growth could be an average of 145,000 new jobs per month. Fewer new jobs, and the economy won’t be able to keep up with population changes as older workers retire and young adults join the workforce.
As with all things economic, there are other opinions. In 2013, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago estimated that the economy could get by with just 80,000 new jobs each month; Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen stated in December that under 100,000 new jobs per month are needed. You can see in the chart below that the labor market has produced above those estimates in most months since the beginning of 2014.
Digging a little deeper into the June numbers gives us more positive news. The unemployment rate rose to 4.9%, which is actually a good thing because it rose as a result of more job seekers entering the labor pool. The Federal Reserve estimates that long-run unemployment in a healthy economy should average between 4.7% and 5.0%.
Even better, average hourly earnings rose 2.6% over June 2016, indicating that the labor market is tightening and employers are raising wages to compensate. Since economists had been worrying about the stagnant pace of wage growth, the June data is encouraging.
Our View
After June’s strong job report, it’s clear investors are feeling pretty good about the U.S. economy. The market has overcome many obstacles in 2016, and this record-breaking day for the S&P 500 reinforces our philosophy as long-term investors. While a healthy labor market supports continued economic growth and market upside, we expect additional volatility in the weeks to come. We still face a turbulent presidential election, corporate earnings season, Britain’s EU exit, and other market headwinds. Enjoy the rally and stay focused on your goals as we continue to pursue our goal of protecting and increasing your wealth.
ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday: JOLTS
Wednesday: Import and Export Prices, EIA Petroleum Status Report, Beige Book, Treasury Budget
Thursday: Jobless Claims, PPI-FD
Friday: Consumer Price Index, Retail Sales, Empire State Manufacturing Survey, Industrial Production, Business Inventories, Consumer Sentiment
HEADLINES:
Factory orders shrink. New orders for manufactured goods fell in May, but unfilled orders and falling business inventories hold promise for future demand.
China’s inflation drops. Last month, a measure of consumer inflation in China grew at its slowest pace since January on persistently weak demand. More government stimulus is likely to prop up the ailing economy.
Weekly jobless claims fall. The number of Americans claiming new unemployment benefits fell by 16,000 last week, adding more evidence that the labor market is on solid ground after May’s miss.
Service sector expands to seven-month high. An indicator measure service sector activity—a component of the economy that accounts for 80% of economic growth—rose in June, suggesting continued strength.
