Consumer Sentiment edged lower in early July but remains near lofty levels. The continued strength in the index is due in part to favorable job and income prospects. The preliminary July Consumer Sentiment Index came in at 97.1 versus the 97.8 expected and down from 98.2 in June. Looking ahead, there are rising concerns about the potential negative impact of tariffs on the domestic economy. In comparison, in July 2017 the index was at 93.4.
Three of the largest banks in the nation reported earnings this morning showing mixed results. JPMorgan Chase reported a record quarterly profit of $8.3 billion, an increase of 18% from the same period last though below first quarter profits of $8.7 billion. Citigroup reported revenues that were below forecasts while earnings per share beat expectations. Wells Fargo reported that revenues and earnings missed expectations.
Next week Fed Chair Powell will be on Capitol Hill as he will give his semi-annual testimony on the state of the U.S. economy to Congress on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was formerly known as the Humphrey-Hawkins testimony – a reference to the 1978 law that requires Fed Chairs to deliver testimony twice a year. Mr.Powell’s testimony comes two weeks before the next Federal Open Market Committee meeting on July 31-August 1.
