Equities Open Higher as Stimulus Timeline Remains Uncertain

 

Equities open higher despite the uncertain timeline for the stimulus package. Congress has not yet agreed on a bill, prompting President Trump to sign executive orders over the weekend for virus relief. With Republicans and Democrats still grappling with key issues and US coronavirus cases passing 5 million, risk assets open higher — the S&P 500 closing up 0.1% on Friday. Treasury yields and swap rates rose moderately across the curve on Friday and are trading 1-2 bps lower this morning.

 

 

President Trump signed four executive orders for virus relief. With Democrats and Republicans still disagreeing on issues like virus budgets and unemployment benefits, President Trump signed executive orders to expedite some relief. He signed orders to issue unemployment benefits, temporary payroll tax deferral, protections against those facing eviction, and relieved some student-loan debt. The unemployment benefits will include a $400-a-week check, reduced from the original $600. In terms of the stimulus bill, lawmakers have yet to provide an update on when talks will resume.

 

 

Week ahead. PPI figures for July are expected to rise. Released tomorrow morning, economists are forecasting PPI figures to rise roughly 0.3% after falling 0.2% in June. CPI figures published Wednesday are expected to remain roughly consistent with June’s figures as the virus continues to dampen demand. Thursday’s jobless claims are expected to fall, with economists noting the number of layoffs fell near the end of July..