1. The labor market shows signs of modest cooling, but is still hot.
2. The S&P 500 index is approaching its all-time high and continues to trend upward.
3. The banking sector is still struggling, but upcoming earnings reports may provide some optimism.
### Summary
The S&P 500 returns over the last one, five, and ten years are only slightly above their long-term averages, suggesting that the stock market is not unanchored from reality. However, the performance of long-term US Treasuries has been poor, with even 10-year Treasuries resulting in losses over the last five years. Slower economic growth may be on the horizon, but it remains uncertain whether it will be enough to bring down inflation rates.
### Facts
- The S&P 500 returns over the last one, five, and ten years are only slightly above their long-term averages.
- The performance of long-term US Treasuries has been weak, resulting in losses for investors even after accounting for coupon payments.
- Slower economic growth may be on the horizon, but it remains uncertain if it will bring down inflation rates.
- The nature of the stock market rally suggests that investors are still searching for buying opportunities rather than thinking about selling.
- Energy, industrials, and financials have become favored sectors, while technology stocks have started to decline.
- The Chinese economy is struggling, with retail sales and industrial production growth slowing down.
- The Federal Reserve has expressed concerns about inflation but also noted downside risks to the economy.
###
### Summary
- European stocks rebound after a drop last week, while bond yields rise ahead of the Fed's Jackson Hole event.
- China's smaller-than-expected rate cuts and weak economic data disappointed investors.
### Facts
- 📈 European stocks edge higher after last week's rout.
- 📉 China stocks hit a 9-month low as rate easing underwhelms.
- China's central bank trims its one-year lending rate by 10 basis points, while leaving its five-year rate unchanged.
- Expectation remains for further stimulus from China.
- Asian shares decline due to disappointment, with Chinese blue chips falling to a nine-month low.
- Energy companies outperform as oil prices rise.
- Oil prices edge higher after a seven-week winning streak.
- Bond market sell-off leads to higher government borrowing costs.
- U.S. Treasury yields continue to rise, with the 30-year yield touching a fresh 12-year high.
- The U.S. Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole conference is the key event for the week.
- Markets anticipate that Fed Chair Jerome Powell will address rising yields and strong economic data.
- Polls indicate that a majority of analysts believe the Fed is done hiking rates.
- Traders bet on a just under 40% chance of a final Fed hike by November.
- U.S. dollar trades flat after five weeks of gains.
- Gold prices affected negatively by the rise of the dollar and yields.
- Prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supported by a potential strike at Australian offshore facilities.
- Dutch payments processor Adyen's shares drop amid concerns over weak earnings.
- Earnings from Nvidia will be closely watched.
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The majority of economists polled by Reuters predict that the U.S. Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates again, and they expect the central bank to wait until at least the end of March before cutting them, as the probability of a recession within a year falls to its lowest level since September 2022.
A stock market rally is expected in the near term, as recent market corrections have created potential opportunities for investors to increase equity exposure, despite the possibility of a 5-10% correction still lingering. Additionally, analysis suggests that sectors such as Utilities, Staples, Real Estate, Financials, and Bonds, which have underperformed in 2023, could present decent upside potential in 2024, particularly if there is a Federal Reserve rate-cutting cycle.
The S&P 500 has fallen nearly 5% in August, and opinions on whether stocks will rebound are divided among Wall Street firms and market commentators, with some, like Goldman Sachs and Fundstrat, remaining optimistic while others, including Michael Burry and David Rosenberg, are bearish.
Volatility and rising interest rates have caused a pullback in U.S. equity markets, particularly impacting the technology sector, but investors should not panic as pullbacks are normal in a bull market and present buying opportunities. China's deteriorating economic conditions and weak seasonal trends have also contributed to the selling pressure. However, support is expected to be found in the 4,200 to 4,300 range in the S&P 500, and the Federal Reserve's likely end to the rate-hiking cycle and improved earnings should provide fundamental support for investors to buy the dip.
Tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 close higher on Monday, while Dow Jones Industrial Average falls slightly; Bank of America analyst predicts insurers will increase customer prices due to increased climate change risk; Allianz economist believes Federal Reserve Chair Powell will focus on short-term monetary policy at Jackson Hole; Loop Capital warns of weak smartphone sales ahead of iPhone 15 launch; CFRA Research chief investment strategist expects year-end rally for stocks despite recession concerns; Homebuilding stocks begin to decline; AMC Entertainment falls ahead of stock conversion; Cybersecurity company SentinelOne explores potential sale; LPL Financial chief technical strategist says recent stock pullback is temporary and predicts end-of-year rally; Jefferies upgrades gold product manufacturer Acushnet Holdings; Nvidia's quarterly earnings report could be critical for the market, says Wolfe Research; Stocks making big moves midday, including XPeng, Eli Lilly, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide.
The S&P 500 and other major indices are showing bearish signals, with potential for a significant drop, while the dollar is expected to maintain its upward trajectory and strong economic data could lead to a breakout in interest rates. Additionally, Meta's stock is on a downward trend and the KBW NASDAQ BANK Index is at risk of further decline.
Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel predicts that the stock market will continue to rise into the end of the year, with the S&P 500 potentially surging 25% and gaining an additional 9% if the Federal Reserve acknowledges falling inflation and refrains from further interest rate hikes.
September has historically been a difficult month for stocks, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq experiencing negative returns on average, but a pullback in September doesn't necessarily mean stocks will stumble for the rest of the year if the economy remains resilient and the Federal Reserve is done hiking rates.
The Federal Reserve meeting in September may hold the key to the end of the tightening cycle, as markets anticipate a rate hike in November, aligning with the Fed's thinking on its peak rate. However, disagreement among Fed policymakers regarding the strength of the economy and inflation raises questions about the clarity and certainty of the Fed's guidance. Market skeptics remain uncertain about the possibility of a "soft landing," with sustained economic expansion following a period of tightening.
The S&P 500 could experience significant gains in the coming months following the end of the current rate hike cycle by the Federal Reserve, with historical data showing positive returns after previous cycles and strong economic indicators supporting this trend. Investors are advised to consider investing in an S&P 500 index fund or industry-leading stocks like Amazon.
The fundamentals and technicals support a demographically driven bull market in stocks until 2034, but potential risks include inflation, interest rate-induced debt crisis, and refinancing problems, which could lead to a drop in the stock market. Comparing the S&P 500's score in August 2023 to historical patterns, the market seems confident and not indicating an imminent debt crisis or severe recession. Credit spreads also appear tame compared to previous crisis periods. However, the article notes the possibility of abrupt changes in the market and encourages openness to a wide range of outcomes.
Stocks are expected to rally next month, with the S&P 500 potentially reaching its previous highs, according to Fundstrat's Tom Lee, who cited reasons such as a cooling economy, no further interest rate hikes from the Fed, overly bearish sentiment in August, and historically strong performance in September.
Bitcoin investors may face a turbulent September, but analysts suggest looking towards mid-October for potentially positive market movements.
Investors are hopeful that September will bring an end to the rise in interest rates, but the month is filled with risk events, making it potentially volatile for both stocks and bonds.
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.
The S&P 500 had a good week, rising 2.5% and coming 1.6% below the 2023 high-water mark set in July; however, there is a possibility of a recession if the Fed keeps rates high for longer than necessary.
US stocks are experiencing their worst performance in September since 1928, but there are signs that the market could avoid a steep downturn this year, with indicators suggesting more stability and positive gains for the rest of the year, according to Mark Hackett, chief of research at US investment firm Nationwide. However, challenges such as elevated oil prices and inflation could put strain on the stock market and the US economy.
U.S. stock investors are closely watching next week's inflation data, which may determine the future of the equity rally, as signs of a soft landing for the U.S. economy have contributed to the S&P 500's gains, but too high inflation could lead to fears of higher interest rates and stock sell-offs.
The US economy is facing a looming recession, with weakness in certain sectors, but investors should not expect a significant number of interest-rate cuts next year, according to Liz Ann Sonders, the chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab. She points out that leading indicators have severely deteriorated, indicating trouble ahead, and predicts a full-blown recession as the most likely outcome. Despite this, the stock market has been defying rate increases and performing well.
September historically has been a challenging month for stocks, but reduced concerns about a recession, signs of a potential shift in Fed policy, and positive sector trends point to the possibility of strategic investment opportunities this year.
The S&P 500 index has seen impressive gains this year, but one expert believes the rally is coming to an end, citing rising bond yields as the main threat to stock prices.
Investors are becoming increasingly cautious about the US stock market and the economy as 2023 draws to a close, leading to a more defensive investment approach by Wall Street banks and experts warning of potential pain ahead.
The S&P 500 and Dow Jones gained as Treasury yields pulled back ahead of a likely pause in the Federal Reserve's policy tightening campaign, although concerns over rates staying higher for longer kept investor sentiment cautious.
The Federal Reserve plans to continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities, agency debt, and agency mortgage-backed securities, which will have an impact on stock markets, while keeping interest rates at current levels due to the lagged effect of monetary policy and the need for the commercial real estate market to adjust; however, there are concerns about the impact of tighter credit conditions on hiring and an increase in strikes, particularly in the auto industry. Elevated interest rates will pressure dividend-income investors and affect Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), while the reduction of securities by the Fed may lead to a decline in stock indices. The Fed is considering raising rates in November or December but is uncertain about how long rates will remain at current levels. The core personal consumption expenditure is falling, and rising energy prices are increasing overall inflation, but the Fed is excluding energy prices due to volatility and suggests that high oil prices may impact its stance in the future. Stock market traders have a short-term time frame and may find instruments like Instacart (CART) and Arm (ARM) more suitable, while long-term investors should prepare for the market adjusting to the Fed's restrictive policy by moving capital gains into money market funds, considering energy stocks at lower prices, and being cautious of high-flying technology stocks and IPOs.
The possibility of a last hike in 2023 with the pause in interest rates in September may lead to the tightening and financial conditions that were not seen earlier when the Fed was raising rates faster.
The panel discusses the upcoming Fed comments, the market's expectation of no further rate hikes in September, and the impact of high interest rates on jobs, wages, and consumer spending.
Higher interest rates are causing a downturn in the stock market, but technological advancements in recent decades may provide some hope for investors.
The S&P 500 is expected to reach a new all-time high by mid-2024 as the Federal Reserve is projected to stop raising interest rates, according to JPMorgan strategist AJ Oden. This forecast suggests a minimum increase of 12% from current levels.
The Federal Reserve's recent hawkish stance and the sharp tightening of financial conditions have triggered jolts in bonds and stocks, raising questions about investor positioning going into the final quarter of 2023.
The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain high interest rates has caused concern in the financial markets, with the S&P 500 and Bitcoin potentially underperforming; however, there appears to be a decoupling between the S&P 500 and Bitcoin, which could be attributed to factors such as regulatory concerns and the anticipation of a spot Bitcoin ETF introduction. This decoupling may favor Bitcoin.
Investors are concerned about a potential showdown for the S&P 500 as stock market commentator, Heisenberg, shares a chart indicating bearish patterns and a major trend line off the October lows, suggesting a sharp drop in the index. Rising bond yields, climbing oil prices, and fears of slowing consumer spending are also factors contributing to investor unease.
Rising Treasury rates and oil prices are creating an unfavorable situation for consumers, investors, and the economy, making it challenging for the Federal Reserve to manage inflation without causing a recession. The potential for a "soft landing" and decreased inflation remains, but the economy should prepare for possible sector-by-sector recessions and a full-blown recession, along with government shutdowns and fiscal policy disputes becoming normal occurrences. The discrepancy between short-term and longer-term rates controlled by the Fed has gained importance, with higher borrowing costs disrupting the stock and bond markets. In this volatile period, long-term investors should hold on and ensure they have enough money saved to weather the storm. While the Fed has pushed short-term rates higher, it has also benefited savers with higher yields on money market funds, short-term Treasury bills, and high-yield savings accounts. However, a strong dollar has impacted S&P 500 earnings, leading to a struggling stock market and increased costs for imports and exports. Rising interest rates pose the greatest economic challenge, affecting consumer loans and dampening spending. Traders who bet on long-term bonds have faced losses due to rising rates, highlighting the inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices. As a result, it may be advisable to purchase shorter-term Treasuries and keep bond durations lower. The surge in bond yields has also disrupted stock investors' expectations of controlled inflation and the Fed's tightening, leading to stock market losses. The economy and markets may experience more turmoil, as there are various factors beyond the Federal Reserve's control.
Investor sentiment is being weighed down by factors such as rising interest rates, low bond yields, a potential government shutdown, and consumers facing rising prices without salary increases, but there is optimism that October could bring a turning point for the market.
The S&P 500 has been hit hard by the September Effect, but investors should remain optimistic as history suggests the market will rebound, and there are compelling buying opportunities in certain growth stocks like Block and SolarEdge with upside potential of 93% and 127% respectively.
The S&P 500 closed out the quarter with a 3.6% loss, attributed to factors such as rising interest rates, a slowing housing market, and businesses preparing for tough times, resulting in a slow decline in stocks. Additionally, the resumption of student loan payments and expectations of more rate hikes from the Federal Reserve are expected to impact consumer spending power and business cutbacks. However, as the year comes to an end, traders and investors may look forward to 2024 for possible rate cuts and a return of strength in the market.
The Federal Reserve's aggressive interest rate hikes have resulted in a decline in the profitability of S&P 500 companies, with the return on equity ratio falling this year, and the trend could worsen if interest rates remain high.
The major stock indexes are expected to open lower as the 10-year Treasury yield hits a 16-year high, with investors monitoring employment data for potential impact on interest rates; meanwhile, stock futures in Asia and Europe slumped as the Federal Reserve's message of higher interest rates reverberates worldwide.
Pre-market futures are down as the stock market continues to struggle, with the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all showing declines, while the 10-year bond yield remains high and the inverted yield curve persists. Job openings are expected to be flat in the JOLTS report for August, reflecting a decline from pre-pandemic levels, and job quits are at a 2.5-year low, indicating a decrease in employee confidence. This week's jobs data will provide further insights into the state of the economy, with interest rates and future Fed decisions being influenced by the upcoming Q3 earnings season.
Morningstar's chief U.S. market strategist, Dave Sekera, is closely watching economic reports, including the ISM and PMI readings, as well as payrolls and unemployment data, while expecting a slowing rate of economic growth but no recession; Sekera also discusses the rising yields on the 10-year Treasury, their impact on the stock and bond markets, and provides insights into sector and investment style performance and valuation heading into the fourth quarter
The Federal Reserve's shift towards higher interest rates is causing significant turmoil in financial markets, with major averages falling and Treasury yields reaching their highest levels in 16 years, resulting in increased costs of capital for companies and potential challenges for banks and consumers.
Investors are likely to continue facing difficulties in the stock market as three headwinds, including high valuations and restrictive interest rates, persist, according to JPMorgan. The bank's cautious outlook is based on the surge in bond yields and the overhang of geopolitical risks, which resemble the conditions before the 2008 financial crisis. Additionally, the recent reading of sentiment indicators suggests that investors have entered a state of panic due to high interest rates.
Investment bank Société Générale's global strategist, Albert Edwards, warns that the stock market's strength in 2023, despite the effects of higher interest rates, resembles the period leading up to the 1987 Black Monday crash, raising concerns of a potential repeat.
U.S. stocks dipped as investors awaited the September jobs report, while Asian markets traded higher; the 10-year Treasury yield remains at an elevated level and could cause a 20% sell-off in the S&P 500, according to JPMorgan Chase's Marko Kolanovic; China plans to ease rules on data exports, potentially benefiting foreign companies; the September slump in stocks presents a "tremendous opportunity" for value investors; trading volume was subdued as investors braced for the storm that is the September jobs report, which will determine the market's direction.
The rise in Treasury bond yields above 5% could lead to a more sustainable increase and potential havoc in financial markets, as investors demand greater compensation for risk and corporate credit spreads widen, making government debt a more attractive option and leaving the stock market vulnerable to declines; despite this, stock investors appeared unfazed by the September jobs report and all three major stock indexes were higher by the end of trading.
