1) Many consider that it is no longer a question if the Fed will cut interest rates, but rather when. With the apparent softening of the job market, many investors firmly believe the Federal Reserve will move to cut interest rates this year possible as soon as this July. The markets bounced up on the expectation.
2) The job numbers are in for May, with job creation slowing dramatically. There were just 75,000 new jobs added to the economy, about 100,000 less than economist expected. Both March and April job numbers were lower than expected leading experts to conclude a downward trend in the American economy is beginning. There are fears that we may see a recession as early as next year.
3) The book seller Barnes & Noble has closed a deal to sell itself to Elliott Management Corp, a hedge fund based in New York. The news sent Barnes & Noble stock surging upward as much as 36%. Like many other retailers, Barnes & Noble has struggled with little success to counter the power house e-commerce giant Amazon. It’s Nook e-book device was a bust, which the company had heavily invested in. Barnes & Noble has 600 brick and mortar retail stores.
4) Stock market closings for 7 JUN 19: The Dow has had its best week since November.
Dow 25,983.94 up 263.28
Nasdaq 7,742.10 up 126.55
S&P 500 2,873.34 up 29.85
10 Year Yield: down at 2.08%
Oil: up at $54.04