A tumultuous first quarter came to an end last week, setting the stage for a highly active month of April that features a deluge of economic data. The first week of April sees a handful of high-profile market-moving events that could impact dividend portfolios.
Like in previous weeks, economic data over the next five days will provide investors with clues about the health of the U.S. economy. Data through the first quarter largely confirmed that the U.S. economy was on solid footing at the start of 2017. More plentiful jobs, quicker inflation and steady earnings growth all reinforced the view that the economy was healthy enough to support the Federal Reserve’s plan to gradually raise interest rates this year. However, significant uncertainties remain, including the new Republican administration’s stance on trade, immigration and healthcare.
Although President Donald Trump has made his ambitions clear on these matters, forming a policy agenda around them could prove difficult. Investors will begin to hold the Trump administration accountable for its progress to date over the next 90 days.
Compare this week’s Market Glance with the March 20 edition by clicking here.
