Downside Volatility Continues to Start Week

Charles Schwab: On the Market

Posted: 6/27/2016 4:15 PM ET

Downside Volatility Continues to Start Week

U.S. stocks continued Friday's sell-off in the aftermath of the U.K.'s vote to leave the European Union, with financials and technology issues responsible for the brunt of the decline. Treasury yields continued lose ground, while a preliminary read on services sector activity was unchanged from the previous month and some regional manufacturing data remained in contraction territory. The U.S. dollar surged to the upside and gold was also higher, while crude oil prices were lower.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell 261 points (1.5%) to 17,140, the S&P 500 Index lost 37 points (1.8%) to 2,001, and the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 114 points (2.4%) to 4,594. In heavy volume, 1.3 billion shares were traded on the NYSE and 2.6 billion shares changed hands on the Nasdaq. WTI crude oil dropped $1.31 to $46.33 per barrel and wholesale gasoline was $0.04 lower at $1.53 per gallon, while the Bloomberg gold spot price rose $10.89 to $1,326.64 per ounce. Elsewhere, the Dollar Index—a comparison of the U.S. dollar to six major world currencies—jumped 1.1% to 96.48.

Medtronic PLC (MDT $82) inked a deal to acquire circulatory support technology firm Heartware International Inc. (HTWR $58) in a transaction valued at $1.1 billion. As part of the agreement, MDT will pay $58 per share in cash for each share of HTWR, a 93% premium to Friday's closing price, with the purchase expected to close by the end of October. Shares of MDT closed lower, while HTWR rallied over 90%.

Preliminary services sector read unchanged, regional manufacturing remains in contraction

The preliminary Markit U.S. Services PMI Index in June was unchanged from May's final reading of 51.3, with a level above 50 indicating expansion in activity, and compared to the Bloomberg forecast calling for a modest rise to 52.0. The release is independent and differs from the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) report, as it has less historic value and Markit weights its index components differently.

The Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index ticked slightly higher to -18.3 for June from May's unrevised -20.8 level with economists forecasting an improvement to -15.0. A reading below zero denotes contraction.

Treasuries were decidedly higher, with uncertainty remaining after Friday's Brexit vote as the yield on the 2-year note fell 3 basis points (bps) to 0.60%, the yield on the 10-year note declined 10 bps to 1.46%, and the 30-year bond rate decreased 13 bps to 2.28%. For the latest analysis on the bond markets, see Schwab's Chief Fixed Income Strategist, Kathy Jones' recent article titled Brexit: What Does It Mean for the Bond Market?, at www.schwab.com/marketinsight. You can also follow Kathy on Twitter: @kathyjones.

Tomorrow, the U.S. economic calendar will commence with the release of the third and final reading of 1Q GDP, with economic output expected to have ticked higher to a 1.0% quarter/quarter (q/q) annualized rate of expansion, from the 0.8% pace announced in the second release, while personal consumption is expected to be adjusted higher from a 1.9% to a 2.0% q/q increase. Investors will also get a look at the S&P/CaseShiller Home Price Index, forecasted to show home prices in the 20-city composite rose 5.41% y/y during April, and were 0.58% higher m/m on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Finally, after the opening bell, the Consumer Confidence Index and Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index are scheduled for release.

Brexit fallout continued to weigh on Europe, Asia mostly higher despite yen strength

European equities finished lower, extending the severe losses seen last Friday in the wake of the U.K.'s stunning vote to leave the European Union (EU)—known as a Brexit—that sent shockwaves through the global markets with U.K. banks taking the brunt of the burden. Adding to the uncertainty, Scottish First Minister Sturgeon said that a second independence referendum for Scotland was "very much on the table." For the latest on the markets, Schwab's outlook, and other considerations surrounding Brexit, Schwab offers a number of articles for investors to consider, including the latest Schwab Market Perspective: British Shock—What's Next, at www.schwab.com/marketinsight. You can also follow Schwab and on Twitter: @schwabresearch.

U.K. Chancellor Osborne delivered a speech ahead of the market's open in an attempt to calm nerves, saying that despite the uncertainty, "you should not underestimate our resolve" in navigating the unchartered waters ahead. Meanwhile, later in the day in speaking to Parliament, Prime Minister Cameron rejected pleas for a "do-over" Brexit vote, instead appointing a group of officials to prepare for the withdrawal from the EU. The Conservative Party also accelerated the timeframe for a new leader, pulling the timetable back by nearly a month to September 2. For in depth analysis of the issue, as well as what is next, see Schwab's Chief Global Investment Strategist, Jeffrey Kleintop's, CFA, timely article After the Brexit Vote: What Lies Ahead for Markets?, at www.schwab.com/marketinsight, and be sure to follow Jeff on Twitter: @jeffreykleintop. The British pound was lower, adding to its record loss on Friday, and the euro saw pressure versus the U.S. dollar, while bond yields in the region were lower.

Stocks in Asia finished mostly higher, being the first to "dip its toe" in the uncertainty of the aftermath of Friday's severe rout in the wake of the decision by the U.K. to quit the European Union. Japanese equities rallied, despite the yen showing strength, and after an emergency meeting between Japanese policymakers. Prime Minister Abe, Finance Minister Aso and Bank of Japan (BoJ) deputy governor Nakasone concluded their meeting without any substantive moves, but with a pledge to act if necessary, fueling speculation of some sort of intervention by the BoJ with either more stimulus, a BoJ easing, or a combination of the sort. Mainland Chinese stocks advanced and those trading in Hong Kong were flat, with Premier Li saying despite the risks of the Brexit fallout, he still expects to achieve their growth targets. Finally, strength in materials helped Australian securities tick higher, while listings in South Korea and India were both nearly unchanged.

Tomorrow, the international economic docket will be light, offering the Import Price Index from Germany and consumer confidence from France, Italy and South Korea.