FYI: Flows were again negative for the two weeks ended October 30, with the divergence between equity and bond flows widening. A little more than $19 billion was withdrawn from equity mutual funds with all categories experiencing outflows. Meanwhile, investors plowed nearly $11 billion into bond mutual funds, with taxable and investment-grade bonds among the biggest beneficiaries.
The U.S. Federal Reserve slashed interest rates for the third time this year in a bid to support feeble growth. The U.S. central bank’s benchmark interest rate now stands at 1.75% versus 2% previously. At a press conference, Chair Jerome Powell strongly indicated that rates will remain steady in the near future, citing the country’s strong labor market and the inflation rate hovering close to its goal of 2%.
Bank of Japan decided to maintain its monetary policy unchanged but tweaked its forward guidance by saying it is ready to cut interest rates further in order to achieve its goal of 2% inflation.
Bank of England gave a clear signal that it is ready to cut interest rates if the economy slows further, amid slashes to its growth forecasts.
Consumer confidence in the U.S. held firm in October, with the Conference Board’s widely followed index slightly declining to 125.9 from 126.3 in September.
The U.S. economic output grew at an annualized rate of 1.9% in the third quarter, beating estimates of 1.6% growth but down from 2% in the second quarter. Consumer spending declined dramatically to 2.9% from 4.6% in the prior quarter.
Chinese manufacturing purchasing managers’ index fell to 49.3 in October from 49.8, the lowest reading since February 2019. Amid trade tensions and slowing global economy, the Chinese PMI has been in contraction territory for the sixth consecutive month.
Eurozone inflation dropped to 0.7% in October from 0.8% in the prior month, putting pressure on the European Central Bank to launch further stimulus measures to attain its goal of 2% inflation.
The U.S. job market seemed to roar ahead. The U.S. economy added 128,000 jobs in October, beating expectations of 90,000. Meanwhile, the previous month’s reading was revised up to 180,000. The unemployment rate rose slightly from 3.5% to 3.6%.
The U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers’ index rose marginally to 48.3 in November, although it still remains in contraction territory.
Regards,
Ted
https://mutualfunds.com/news/2019/11/12/mutual-funds-scorecard-november-12-edition/ 
