TSP Market Summary: Week of April 20, 2019

By Roy Weisert, PhD, CFP

Key Takeaways

  • 78% of S&P 500 companies beat earnings expectations, supporting C Fund performance above 2900
  • TSP I Fund reached new 2019 high Wednesday on improved global growth from China GDP data
  • Markets within 1% of record highs, poised for potential breakout next week

The S&P 500 stayed above the 2900 threshold during this short “Good Friday” week, closing at 2905 on Thursday. Earnings have continued to positively move the markets with 78% of the S&P 500 companies that have reported earnings exceeding expectations. News of China trade talks were overshadowed by China\'s reported GDP, which like earnings, were "better than expected". While Brexit still looms in Europe, U.S. earnings and China GDP are improving the global economic growth outlook. As such, we’ve seen the TSP International "I" fund hit a new 2019 high on Wednesday. For TSP TIPS, our current recommendation stands as this short week gave the markets a breather. For next week it sure would be nice to see a run towards a new S&P 500 record as we’re only about one percent shy. Lastly, Happy Easter to all our TSP TIPS subscribers.