Earnings Stimulate Stocks, Relief Buoys Bonds (E271)

DoubleLine Portfolio Manager Eric Dhall and Asset Allocation Strategist Ryan Kimmel survey markets Aug. 7, noting an earnings-driven rally in equities (0:44) apart from energy, real estate and consumer staples. Positive returns posted across investment and below-investment grade fixed income (3:31) on easing rate worries. Currency markets (6:41) witnessed coordinated U.S.-Japan intervention to stave off yen weakness. The action was aided by a weak dollar. On the macro front (9:21), softer-than-expected July payrolls led the week’s news. Ryan also took note of a flagging labor participation rate. Looking ahead to Aug. 10-14, Eric and Ryan will be focused on the July CPI and PPI prints, particularly Core CPI, with any print above the lower end of expectations likely to add pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise official short-term interest rates.