HK Financial Services Market Recap for Week Ending 2/15/19

Overview: Stocks around the globe were higher last week, driven by U.S.-China trade optimism and the avoidance of another partial government shutdown. The S&P 500 was up 2.6%, and international developed stocks were 1.4% higher on the week, despite weak growth data from Germany and continued turmoil around Brexit. WTI crude oil closed higher at $55.59 per barrel, up 20% for the year-to-date. Oil has rallied on the prospects of rising Chinese imports and expectations of continued OPEC supply cuts. In bonds, 10-Year Treasury yields were about 4 basis points higher on the week, and yields are now about where they started the year 2019.

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Provided by Ivan Gruhl, Chief Investment Officer, HK Financial Services. Sources:  Bloomberg, Pac Global, Goldman Sachs Asset Management (data). Investment advisory services offered through HK Financial Services (HKFS), an Independent Registered Investment Advisor. Commission-based securities products are sold by ProEquities registered representatives and offered through ProEquities, Inc., a Registered Broker-Dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products issued by many highly rated carriers. HKFS, ProEquities and Boyum Barenscheer, PLLP are independent of each other.

This material is being provided for informational purposes only with the understanding that neither HKFS nor ProEquities is rendering tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult with your CPA or other appropriate advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, accounting or tax obligations and requirements.