The document provides an analysis of the stock market and economic outlook from the perspective of investment strategists Bruce Bittles and William Delwiche of RWBaird.
The summary includes:
1) Economic data supports continued but slower GDP growth in 2019 of around 2.5% according to leading indicators and a strong labor market.
2) Stock prices declined in Q4 due to recession concerns but a strong jobs report in December calmed fears, suggesting the Fed may pause rate hikes.
3) Technically, the stock market has improved, downside momentum has been broken, and sentiment indicators show pessimism, suggesting further stock price gains are likely.