S&P 500 Index Weekly Forecast: Stocks stay strong, Suez ship still dead in water

• Inflation concerns fade as Fed officials stay with dovish theme.
• Oil takes flight as the Suez remains blocked.
• Stocks close out the week in the green, but big tech struggles.

Equities close nicely on Friday to cap a solid week of gains for the broader indices. The S&P 500 finished the week ahead by 1.57%. The Dow is positive for the week, up 1.36%, but the Nasdaq trails behind, losing 0.59% for the week. 

Big tech has remained in subdued territory as the rotation into more cyclical stocks continues. Financial stocks had been helped on Friday as the Federal Reserve said it will lift restrictions on dividends and buybacks in June. The S&P 500 set a record high close, not a record high, as it took out the St. Patrick's Day close by half a point.

Meme stocks retook the narrative on Thursday, posting enormous gains of over 50% for Gamestop and KOSS, as well as nearly 30% for AMC. 

SPACs suffered as the SEC looks into some recent SPAC deals. CCIV finished the week at $23.02.

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Friday saw a string of positive data to boost equity sentiment. The Personal Consumer Expenditures (PCE) deflator helped calm inflation fears, and the Michigan Consumer Sentiment data showed continued growth. The US 10-year Treasury yield remained under 1.7% as Fed officials continued their dovish testimony throughout the week. 

The dollar remained strong, taking out another big figure during the week to trade with a 1.17 handle. The interest rate differential and EU economic and vaccine woes continue to be the main drivers of the falling EUR/USD pair.

Oil prices drove higher on Friday, despite the dollar strength and EU demand headwinds. The continued Suez canal blockage and rumours of OPEC+ not increasing production in April boosted oil to close 4% higher on Friday at $60.81. The contango effect also lessened as the week progressed. 

S&P 500 week ahead

Equities have struggled this week but still made progress, albeit slowly. Fundamentals continue to favour higher prices in the week ahead. Bank of America’s money flow data this week was bearish with near record inflows to short-term Treasury funds and cash. This will return as long as equities can remain bid and yields stay under control. Stimulus checks still have not fully made their way into the market, and President Biden’s infrastructure plan is also underpinning industrial stocks. Despite stretched valuations, the rally may continue a while yet.

Clocks move one hour forward this weekend in Europe to summertime. GMT +1 for the UK, GMT +2 for Europe.

Monday sees the Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index, which came in at 17.2 in February. Monday also sees 3 and 6-month Bill auctions. Federal Reserve member Christopher Waller speaks at 1100EST/1500GMT.

On Tuesday, the US Consumer Confidence data is expected to show continued improvement as stimulus checks and reopening flow through to consumers.

Europe releases German CPI, but European inflation is not a focus for equity markets currently.

Wednesday has mortgage applications and Chicago PMI. PMI is expected to come in at 60.3, a rise from 59. President Biden is also due to speak on Wednesday.

Thursday closes out the short Easter week with ISM Manufacturing data. The focus will be on the New Orders component and the PMI. PMI is expected to show a continued gain to 61.2. Construction spending is also out on Thursday but will not show improvement yet as lockdown still affects the number. Next month will be more important.

OPEC also meets on Thursday, so keep an eye out for any commentary on supply. Hopefully, the Suez Canal is free and clear by then.

Earnings

Blackberry releases earnings on Tuesday. One of the meme stocks, it is expected to report EPS of $0.03 and revenue of $246.36 million.

Lululemon Athletica also releases on Tuesday, EPS expected to be $2.49 and revenue of $1.66 billion.

McCormick & Co gets Q1 out early, expected EPS is $0.58 and revenue of $1.37 billion.

Walgreens Boots Alliance reports Wednesday, with EPS expected to be $1.12 on revenue of $35.46 billion. Walgreens may comment on COVID-19 vaccine rates as they have been participating.

S&P 500 technical analysis

Decision time beckons on Monday. The S&P 500 rallied into the close on Friday to set up for a record close, just missing the March 17 record high. The 50-day moving average worked for a near perfect support to kick-start the rally on Thursday. Stimulus checks and investors' funds look likely to push equities higher ahead of the Easter break. Key support at 3851. 

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