Consumer Companies Face Mixed Economic Data

Despite mixed economic data, consumer companies experienced a decline. However, optimism remains as one retail giant delivered strong second-quarter earnings. Amazon's positive performance has given the sector a potential boost.

Economic Activity and Consumer Spending

The Institute for Supply Management's services-activity index revealed a July figure of 52.7. Although this marks the seventh consecutive positive reading, the rate of expansion has slowed down. Nonetheless, there is hope that excess savings and pent-up demand will continue to support consumer spending in the near future. According to Jeffrey Roach, chief economic strategist at brokerage LPL Financial, investors should be aware that this spending surge is likely to subside as the economy cools.

Labor Market and Equity Market

Weekly jobless claims have remained relatively stable, indicating continued growth in the labor market. Interestingly, the equity market has shown a peculiar response to economic data. Strategists at brokerage Goldman Sachs Group noted that weak growth data tends to rally equities, while strong data leads to sell-offs. This unusual reaction is driven by the belief that weak-but-positive growth data reduces the risk of additional interest rate hikes.

Discretionary Spending and Company Performances

Discretionary spending took a hit as boat dealership chain OneWater Marine saw a decline in fiscal third-quarter earnings. On the other hand, Anheuser-Busch InBev experienced a slight uptick in shares as the impact of a Bud Light boycott on earnings was not as severe as initially feared. In contrast, budget airline Spirit Airlines faced challenges as domestic travel activity slowed down, reflecting on its earnings.

As the future unfolds, investors can expect these unconventional equity reactions to persist as long as recession fears loom.