SPY

XLU: Please Don't Wait Until The Fed Cuts Before Buying

The Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF is a well-diversified utilities-focused ETF. XLU is considered a defensive setup with a relatively attractive dividend yield compared to the S&P 500. I believe XLU bottomed out in October 2023 and has outperformed from its October lows. Investors have started to price in more rate cuts by the Fed as the 10Y yield broke above 5%.

Better Dividend ETF For December 2023: SCHD Or JEPI?

Dividend investing is a great way to compound wealth and passive income over the long-term. SCHD and JEPI are among the most popular dividend ETFs. We assess the current macro environment and offer our take on which is the better buy in the current environment. The dominant macroeconomic stories are a decline in inflation, slowing economic activity, and simmering geopolitical tensions.

Last Big News Cycle For The Market In 2023

Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 199,000 new payroll gains and a drop in the unemployment rate from 3.9% to 3.7%. Next up, the Consumer Price Index report and the Fed's decision on interest rates on Wednesday. The last big news cycle for the market in calendar year 2023.

Week Ahead: What Central Banks Say May Be More Important Than What They Do

The week ahead is chock full of central bank meetings. Gold experienced a significant drop below $2000 after reaching a record high above $2135. The US dollar fell by over 2.1% against the Japanese yen due to concerns the Bank of Japan would raise rates. WTI oil prices fell to their lowest level in five months.

Worldwide Employment Stalls As Businesses Report Further Weakness Of Demand

Global output remained largely stalled in November according to the S&P Global PMI surveys. Manufacturing output edged marginally lower globally in November, down for a sixth successive month. Demand conditions remained subdued globally, notably for financial services and basic manufactured goods. Employment growth has meanwhile stalled as firms grow concerned about excess capacity.

Global PMI Data Hint At Further Cooling Of Inflation In The Months Ahead

Global PMI Data Hint At Further Cooling Of Inflation In The Months Ahead. Average prices charged for goods and services rose globally at a slightly increased rate in November. Global output price inflation increased slightly in November but remains among the weakest in the past three years. Goods selling price inflation is low, while service sector inflation remains elevated. Overall demand environment is subdued, and global inflation is expected to cool in the months ahead.

View On Wall Street: A Good News Bad News Scene

The current macro backdrop continues to be difficult to make sense of. With no strong PRIMARY trend in place, this remains a "traders" market. The US labor market continues to defy gravity. The economy has added 161 million jobs in the last 3 years. Q3 GDP rising 4.9%, its fastest pace since 4Q21.

These 3 Dividend ETFs Are a Retiree's Best Friend