Major indices came out of the gate with a gusto but reversed course after the release of mixed economic data (more below). The averages then climbed back up into the green.

ISM Manufacturing

ISM Manufacturing posted its second straight contraction in December. Lower production, new orders, and exports signal weak domestic and foreign demand.

• The New Orders Index decreased to 45.2% from 47.2%.
• The Prices Index fell to 39.4% from 43.0%, hitting its lowest level since April 2020.
• The Backlog of Orders Index rose to 41.4% from 40.0%.
• The Supplier Deliveries Index fell to 45.1% from 47.2%.
• The Production Index dropped to 48.5% from 51.5%.
• The New Export Orders Index decreased to 46.2% from 48.4%.
• The Employment Index rose to 51.4% from 48.4%. 

JOLTS

Job openings remain significantly lower than the March 2022 peak; however, the key in the report is quits. The quits rate remained relatively steady in November, increasing slightly to 2.7% as 4.2 million workers quit their jobs.

Most of the quits came from transportation and warehousing & utilities (+73,000) and health care & social assistance (+82,000).

All sectors in the S&P 500 are positive this afternoon with Real Estate and Communication Services leading. 

There is possibly bargain hunting behind today’s gains along with a positive reaction to a drop in yields.  All eyes on the latest Fed minutes, which may give us a hint on when rate hikes will stop.