From the Desk - Economic Commentary
Brandon Casey, Member Strategies - 1/16/2026
U.S. stocks opened higher Friday but have already given back those gains as volatility in the market continues. Stocks are coming off a winning session on Thursday. On the week, all three major averages are relatively flat. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are slightly lower, while the DJIA is tracking to post a small gain.
Looking at economic data today, industrial production increased 0.4% in December, above expectations of 0.1% and same increase as the previous month. Production was up 0.7% at an annual rate during the fourth quarter. Manufacturing output rose 0.2% for the month but was down 0.7% during the quarter.
Elsewhere, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell two points to a reading of 37 in January. The index was expected to increase to 40. Current sales, sales expectations, and buyer traffic were all lower.
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