TSP Market Summary: Week of March 31, 2018

By Roy Weisert, PhD, CFP

Key Takeaways

  • Markets essentially flat for 2018 after January tax cut rally faded due to rate/tariff fears
  • S&P 500 approaching critical 200-day moving average that could trigger more selling pressure
  • No changes recommended for C/S/I funds but analysts watching market closely for signals

With the S&P 500 closing out this short week with a rally close of 2640, it also closed March and the first quarter of 2018 on the short end. After the tax cut euphoria of January, the markets have come under interest rate increase and tariff war pressures, but essentially, we’ve had a flat market for 2018. From a “chart perspective”, the S&P 500 had its quarter low the first week of February, rallied into the first week of March, but failed to cross above the January quarter high. It has since retrenched and is close to crossing below it’s 200 day moving average, which could then lead to more selling pressure. For TSP TIPS, we recommend no changes to the equity funds (C/S/I), but will maintain a careful watch.