After a quiet January, all three of the major U.S. stock indices zeroed in on new highs in February, as market investors seem to be relatively optimistic about proposed infrastructure spending, strong earnings and positive economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, for example, closed its longest rally in 30 years by month’s end.

Of course, observers are also looking toward the next meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee in March for news on a potential hike in short-term interest rates. Here’s a look at what else is going on in the economy and capital markets, as well as key factors we are keeping an eye on.

In Washington, the size, timing and composition of potential tax cuts remains very uncertain.

Equities

The S&P 500 did not fall more than -0.76% from a previous high at any point during the month of February, a clear confirmation of the market’s strength. The index has still not dropped 2% at any point since the election.
Six of the S&P 500’s sectors gained ground over the month. Its tech sector just took a breather after a record 15-day winning streak, and utilities notched gains for the past four weeks.
Cyclical sectors broke out to new 52-week highs, according to Raymond James Chief Investment Strategist Jeff Saut. Energy, financials, industrials and technology showed promise, while real estate and consumer staples lagged.
The NASDAQ Composite Index closed lower only five times in February and the average loss during those five sessions was only -0.15%.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average’s 12-session winning streak is the longest in 30 years and only the second time since 1897 that it has gone at least that long without closing lower.
Participation in the rally across the broad market has been relatively promising, as well, with 76% of stocks trading on the New York Stock Exchange considered to be trending upward as measured by being above the 200-day moving average.

International

The last few weeks have seen further evidence of a tentative economic recovery in Europe despite the still very uncertain political backdrop, according to Chris Bailey, European Strategist, Raymond James, Euro Equities*.
This was particularly apparent in France where purchasing managers index data showed a faster expansion than in Germany. This occurred for the first time in a number of years along with rising bond market concern about the outcome of the French presidential election in a few months’ time.
This mixed backdrop has seen the first sustained inflows into European equity markets by global investors for well over a year, which could prove to be a positive influence throughout 2017.
Higher commodity prices and relatively benign capital market conditions have helped both emerging market equity and currency markets to generally rise.

*An affiliate of Raymond James & Associates and Raymond James Financial Services

Fixed income

Yield on the 10-year Treasury declined slightly from the beginning of the month (2.36% compared to 2.47% on February 1).
Short-term taxable bond rates have kept up with the short-term yield curve rate rise. In particular, the 12-month taxable rates have also seen a slight spread increase.

Bottom line

We’re still in the early days of a new administration, and investors are watching for policy changes on infrastructure spending, healthcare and taxes. In the meantime, a well-diversified portfolio geared toward achieving your long-term goals should allow you to participate in upside potential as well as serve as ballast for any short-term volatility that may arise in the coming months.