Stocks are on Fire, Jobs are Not! | January 6, 2018

The year has started off with a lot of news for the economy to consume, thus far it has not moved rates in either direction. The stock market has been rallying since the market opened on Tuesday. When stocks are improving it is less likely for investment dollars to be directed towards bonds which puts pressure on interest rates to increase or remain the same. On Friday the jobs report was released and it came in well below the forecasted mark. The economy was looking to add 195k jobs and when the results were tallied the final number came in at 155k, 25% less than expected! Additionally the jobs added to the economy were below the median income level, which again is a key indicator to follow in 2018. Next week should offer clear guidance on whether or not we can expect a move in rates.