Daily Insights

Another round of upbeat China data. Targeted stimulus appears to be working following a series of better-than-expected data that included first quarter gross domestic product growth at +6.4% from the year ago period, ahead of consensus expectations for a 6.3% increase and in line with the prior quarter. Industrial production rose 8.5% year over year, topping analysts’ estimates (+5.9%) by a wide margin, while retail sales‘ 8.7% year-over-year growth was above the 8.2% seen earlier this year. Officials are now reportedly considering additional stimulus to boost auto and electronics sales.

Pushing past the highs. U.S. stocks are nearing record highs for the first time in more than six months as the S&P 500 Index sits within 1% of its record high. A lot could be priced into equities now, though, and it’s becoming difficult to see what could push them decisively past the highs. In today’s LPL Research blog post, we’ll identify some potential surprises that could drive the next leg of U.S. stocks’ gains, along with some potential disappointments that could deflate this impressive year-to-date rally.

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Wednesday

• Trade Balance (Feb)
• Federal Reserve Beige Book (Apr)
• Japan Industrial Production (Feb)
• Eurozone Trade Balance (Feb)
• Eurozone CPI Report (Mar)

Thursday

• Retail Sales (MoM Mar)
• Initial Jobless Claims (Apr 13)
• Markit US Manufacturing PMI (Preliminary Apr)
• Markit US Services PMI (Preliminary Apr)
• Markit US Composite PMI (Preliminary Apr)
• Leading Index (MoM Mar)
• Germany PPI Report (Mar)
• Japan CPI Report (Mar)

Friday

• Housing Starts (MoM Mar)
• Building Permits (MoM Mar)

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.

All indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Unmanaged index returns do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment.

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All company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. LPL Financial doesn’t provide research on individual equities.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

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Index data obtained via FactSet

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