Tech stocks led a rally in the stock market, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining 1.6% and the S&P 500 ending a four-day losing streak, despite the rise in Treasury yields; investors will be looking for clues about the US consumer spending and the economy as retailers' earnings reports are expected, and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium is anticipated for indications on interest rates.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments about potential future rate hikes have put the focus on upcoming data releases, including the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index and the August jobs report, as investors assess the state of the economy.
Stocks were relatively unchanged as investors awaited new economic indicators and data on the health of the US economy, including consumer confidence, jobs openings, and inflation reports, which could impact expectations for future interest-rate rises from the Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, the PCE price index, increased in July, suggesting a higher likelihood of further interest rate hikes this year.
US consumer spending increased by the most in six months in July, driven by strong demand for goods and services, but slowing inflation rates suggest that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged next month.
Stock markets showed signs of improvement last week, fueled by hopes of a Goldilocks economic scenario, despite downward revisions in Q2 GDP growth and a slowdown in housing prices, while robust hiring and a decline in wage growth raised concerns about a cooling job market. The strength of U.S. consumers and the moderation of the Consumer Confidence index are factors that could influence the Federal Reserve's decisions on inflation, with investors advised to rely on trustworthy data and analysis. Noteworthy upcoming earnings and dividend announcements include Zscaler, Gitlab, GameStop, C3ai, American Eagle, DocuSign, and Kroger. Key economic reports this week will focus on Factory Orders, ISM Services PMI, and Q2 Non-Farm Productivity and Unit Labor Costs.
The coming week is expected to be lighter for investors, with the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision being the highlight, as US markets observe Labor Day and updates on the services sector and corporate earnings are anticipated.
The top 25 stocks in the S&P 500 outperformed the index in the 35th week of 2023, with tech stocks leading the way, suggesting a return of bull markets and a decrease in recessionary fears; however, market health, the balance between developed and emerging markets, and investor behavior still need to be addressed. Additionally, market correlations have dropped since COVID, and on "down-market" days, correlations are 5% higher than on "up-market" days. Market correlations also decrease during upward economic cycles. Retail investors are showing a preference for dividend-driven investing and investing in AI stocks. The global subsidies race is impacting valuations in tech and leading to supply chain inefficiencies. As a result, there are opportunities for diversification and investment in a wide variety of equities and bonds.
Stock indices finished today’s trading session in the red, with the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all falling. The technology sector was the session's laggard, while the utilities sector was the leader. The U.S. 10-Year Treasury yield increased, and the Atlanta Federal Reserve's latest GDPNow reading estimates that the economy will expand by about 5.6% in the third quarter. The Federal Reserve released its Beige Book report, noting a tourism boom but slower spending in other areas. The ISM Non-Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index came in higher than expected, and mortgage applications fell to their lowest level since 1996. The U.S. trade deficit widened less than expected in July. U.S. stock futures inched lower, and European indices trended lower. Asia-Pacific markets were mixed.
Stocks finished mixed on Wednesday as investors awaited consumer inflation data that could impact the Federal Reserve's future policy decisions. The Dow Jones fell 0.2%, the S&P 500 increased 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.3% after a previous decline. The Consumer Price Index showed a higher-than-expected increase in inflation, driven by rising energy prices, which could influence the Fed's decision on interest rates. The market also had its eyes on the Arm IPO and developments involving Apple and China. Meanwhile, the EU launched an investigation into China's subsidies for EV makers.
