Today’s Focus: Yellen, Tepper, And Jobs

There are three items of note on this fine Wednesday morning. First, let’s remember that the FOMC is meeting next week. And while the market now expects Yellen & Co. to raise the Fed Funds rate target by 0.25%, traders don’t tend to make big commitments in front of important events.

Next, billionaire hedge fund manager, David Tepper, was back on CNBC this morning offering up his latest views on the markets. Recall that comments from the once reclusive manager have been known to move markets and that the rally in 2010 after Tepper said stocks were in a win-win situation became known as the “Tepper rally.”

This morning Mr. Tepper says that while stocks aren’t cheap, relief from regulations and improving economic growth both home and abroad are providing a supportive environment for the stock market. Tepper concedes that stocks have valuation issues but says that the backdrop is strong enough to keep him in the market. Tepper, known as an outspoken critic of QE added, “You can’t be short stocks” when the punch bowl is still full – a reference to the fact that both the ECB and BoJ continue to print money each month.

The Appaloosa founder also opined that concerns about the French election are overdone and that he’s long European equities.

And finally, when asked about his view on bonds, he said, “You bet your heinie” I’m short fixed income here.

While Tepper’s comments are not moving futures to any great degree this morning, many managers will undoubtedly take solace in the fact Tepper remains upbeat on the outlook for stocks.

Finally, investors were treated to some surprisingly good economic news before the bell today. ADP reported that the private sector added 298,000 jobs during the month of February, which was well above the consensus expectation for job growth in the 190,000 range.

“February proved to be an incredibly strong month for employment with increases we have not seen in years,” Ahu Yildirmaz, vice president and co-head of the ADP Research Institute, said in a statement. ADP added that 2017 is off to a strong start with private sector job growth totaling 559,000.