Inflation, Wages, and the Global Impact of China
Economic data released over the past two weeks has provided investors with important insight into the health of the U.S. economy and the potential direction of markets moving forward. One of the most significant reports came from the latest jobs data, which showed the U.S. economy added approximately 115,000 jobs. Even more encouraging, average earnings increased 3.6% year-over-year, coming in stronger than many economists expected and offering another sign of resilience in the labor market. While wage growth is a positive development for workers, the next key question is how much of those gains consumers actually get to keep after inflation. This week’s upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) reports will be closely watched as investors look for clearer signs on inflation trends. These reports remain two of the most important measures of pricing pressures throughout the economy. Energy prices continue to play a major role in the inflation story. Elevated gasoline costs are forcing consumers to dedicate more of their budgets toward fuel expenses, leaving less available for spending in other parts of the economy. Investors will be watching carefully for any signs of “demand destruction,” where higher costs begin slowing consumer activity in other sectors. Adding to the importance of the week, President Trump is expected to travel to China for a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping. Discussions are expected to center around tariffs, trade cooperation, and geopolitical concerns involving Iran. Markets will be closely monitoring whether the two countries can make progress toward increasing trade activity between the U.S. and China, which could help ease inflationary pressures globally. China’s own inflation data has shown rising pricing pressures, fueled in part by the conflict involving Iran and the impact on oil markets. As one of the largest buyers of Iranian oil, China’s role in global energy demand remains significant. Any cooperation or policy shifts resulting from these meetings could influence inflation trends, energy markets, and employment conditions both domestically and abroad. With strong economic data already emerging, investors are now focused on how these global developments may shape the market outlook in the months ahead.

Broadening Market Strength Supports Investor Confidence
Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Middle East, elevated oil prices, and continued questions about Federal Reserve policy, the stock market has remained remarkably resilient. One of the key reasons for this strength has been the continued momentum in corporate earnings. Coming into the year, many analysts anticipated that market leadership would begin to expand beyond the large-cap technology companies that have dominated returns in recent years. That trend is now beginning to materialize, creating what many investors view as a healthier and more sustainable market environment. From January 1 through April 24, small-cap and mid-cap stocks outperformed the S&P 500, signaling stronger participation across a broader range of companies and sectors. This broadening market participation is an encouraging development because it reduces the market’s dependence on a small group of mega-cap stocks to drive overall performance. A wider range of companies contributing to market gains can help strengthen the market’s ability to navigate uncertainty, whether from geopolitical risks, inflation concerns, or shifting Federal Reserve expectations. Analysts also continue to forecast strong corporate earnings growth across multiple market segments, with some projecting record earnings levels by the end of the year. The combination of resilient earnings, improving participation across the market, and continued economic strength provides a constructive backdrop for investors moving forward. While uncertainty remains a constant factor in financial markets, the expanding strength beneath the surface of the market has become an increasingly positive sign for the remainder of the year.

Greg Powell, CIMA®
President and CEO
Wealth Consultant
Email Greg Powell here

Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®
Managing Director
Wealth Consultant
Email Bobby Norman here

Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®
Chief Investment Officer
Wealth Consultant
Email Trey Booth here

Ty Miller , AIF®
Vice President
Wealth Consultant
Email Ty Miller here

Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

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