ISM Manufacturing PMI

The most recent ISM Manufacturing Index increased 2.3% from December 2018, indicating expanding business strength fostered by stronger demand and output. The monthly survey of individual businesses also pointed to easing business conditions and a contraction in prices paid.

U.S. & World Equity Indexes; 2/25/19; YTD Return S&P 500; 2,796; 11.50% Dow Jones Industrials; 26,091; 11.90% Nasdaq Composite; 7,554; 13.90% Shanghai Composite (China); 2,961; 18.70% S&P BSE Sensex (India); 36,213; 0.40% Nikkei Stock Avg (Japan); 21,528; 7.60% CAC 40 (France); 5,231; 10.60% DAX (Germany); 11,505; 9.00% FTSE 100 (U.K.); 7,183; 6.80%
Selected Interest Rates; 2/25/19; 1/30/19 15-Year Mortgage; 3.81%; 3.88% 30-Year Mortgage; 4.37%; 4.45% 5-Year Treasury Bond; 2.48%; 2.51% 10-Year Treasury Bond; 2.67%; 2.55% 30-Year Treasury Bond; 3.03%; 3.04%
Key Economic Statistics; Most Recent; Prior Month National Producer Price Index; -0.10%; -0.20% Consumer Price Index; 0.00%; -0.10% Unemployment Rate; 4.00%; 3.90% ISM Manufacturing Index; 56.60; 54.10 ISM Services Index; 56.70; 57.60 Change in Non-Farm Payroll Emp.; 304,000; 312,000 New York State Consumer Price Index - NY, NJ, CT; 0.50%; –0.20% Unemployment Rate; 3.90%; 3.90% NYS Index of Coincident Indicators; 5.80%; 5.80%

CPI—12-Month Change

Inflation remains within the Federal Reserve’s target range. For the 12 months ended 1/31/2019, the Consumer Price Index was up 1.6%. The overall inflation rate has been reduced by the recent decline in the price of crude oil and the strong dollar; however, there is concern that increased tariffs could push up prices of metals, autos, and other imports.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Equity Market Statistics; Most Recent; Prior Month Dow Jones Industrials; 2/25/19; 1/30/19 Dividend Yield; 2.37%; 2.54% Price/Earnings (12 Mth Trailing); 17.66; 18.89 Price/Earnings (Projected); 15.45; 14.64 S&P 500 Index; 2/25/19; 1/30/19 Dividend Yield; 2.07%; 2.23% Price/Earnings (12 Mth Trailing); 22.35; 22.35 Price/Earnings (Projected); 16.14; 15.55

The information herein was obtained from various sources believed to be accurate; however, Forté Capital does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This report was prepared for general information purposes only. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any securities, options, or futures contracts. Forté Capital’s Proprietary Market Risk Barometer is a summary of 30 indicators and is copyrighted by Forté Capital LLC. For further information, visit www.fortecapital.com, send a message to info@forte-capital.com, or call 866-586-8100 and ask for David W. Henion, CPA, or Larry H. Rabinowitz, CPA/PFS.