KostiaForexMart Posted October 11 Share Posted October 11 XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast Today is the second consecutive day of positive momentum for gold, driven by expectations of further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Gold continues to gain positive momentum as markets anticipate additional interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. The sharp rise in weekly jobless claims in the U.S. indicates signs of weakness in the labor market, which could allow the Federal Reserve to continue reducing interest rates. This, in turn, leads to a modest decline in U.S. Treasury yields, which supports the upward momentum of gold. Following the release of stronger-than-expected consumer inflation data in the U.S. yesterday, investors have ruled out the possibility of another substantial rate cut by the Federal Reserve in November. These developments, following stronger-than-expected inflation data, helped the U.S. dollar halt its corrective pullback from the mid-August high, posing a headwind for gold. Today, the U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI), the preliminary Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, and statements from the Federal Reserve are key indicators to watch for short-term momentum. Technical Analysis: A solid rebound from the psychological level of $2600 and a subsequent move above the $2630 level favor the bulls. Additionally, oscillators on the daily chart remain in positive territory. This suggests that the path of least resistance for the precious metal is upward. Consequently, further strength toward the resistance level of $2656 and into the supply zone at $2672 appears likely. From there, momentum could lift the XAU/USD pair toward its recent high near $2700. If surpassed, this level could pave the way for the continuation of the established multi-month upward trend. On the other hand, the Asian session low around the $2630 level serves as support. A break below this level could challenge the key $2600 support. A convincing break beneath this psychological level could signal deeper losses. The XAU/USD pair could then continue its corrective decline toward the next support zone near $2560, progressing toward the $2532 level before ultimately descending to the psychological level of $2500. More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KostiaForexMart Posted October 21 Share Posted October 21 EUR/USD. Weekly Preview. PMI Indices, Fed's Verbal Signals, Lagarde's Interview Last week, the EUR/USD pair dipped into the 1.08 range for the first time since August. EUR/USD bears managed to drive the price down to the lower end of the 1.08 range (with a low recorded at 1.0812) but did not venture into the 1.07 range. Moreover, toward the end of Friday's trading, buyers took the initiative, attempting to regain previous levels, aiming to move back above the 1.0900 target. However, they were unsuccessful—more precisely, they ran out of time. Thus, the main intrigue for the upcoming week revolves around a simple question: Will sellers be able to solidify their position within the 1.08 range, or will buyers manage to build on their momentum? It should be noted that this is not about a trend reversal—rather, it's about the scale of the correction. The overall fundamental background supports a further decline in price in the medium-term outlook. The economic calendar for the upcoming week is not packed with significant events for EUR/USD. However, each trading day of the five days holds some interest. Monday On Monday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting will begin from October 21 to 26. Typically, this event indirectly impacts the dynamics of major currency pairs. However, with a nearly empty economic calendar on Monday, the IMF meeting might draw the market's attention. Participants will be particularly interested in the Fund's forecasts regarding the largest global economies (especially China and the U.S.) and the global economy as a whole. It's worth noting that in September, China announced a package of stimulus measures to revive its economy (the People's Bank of China cut interest rates, eased the burden of mortgage loans, and promised to inject additional funds into the financial system). Meanwhile, China's GDP growth slowed to 4.6% in the third quarter. The IMF's "verdict" could strengthen or weaken interest in risk assets, with the EUR/USD pair responding accordingly. Additionally, Monday will feature speeches from representatives of the Federal Reserve. Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari will share their perspectives. Although they do not have voting rights this year, they will gain them through the rotation system next year. Logan's rhetoric could support the greenback. In a speech two weeks ago, she noted that inflation remains subject to "real upward risks," and the economic outlook carries "significant uncertainty." Logan also mentioned that she supports a more moderate pace of rate cuts (in 25-basis-point increments). Kashkari, in turn, recently remarked that the labor market remains strong and that "some progress" has been made in the fight against inflation. Tuesday Tuesday will feature speeches from several Fed representatives. We will hear from Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid (non-voting member this year), San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly (voting member), and Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker (non-voting member in 2024). They may comment on the recent inflation reports released in the U.S. two weeks ago (CPI, PPI), which showed a slowdown in overall inflation but an acceleration in core inflation. Additionally, several European Central Bank (ECB) representatives will speak on this day. Most notably, Francine Lacqua will interview ECB President Christine Lagarde on Bloomberg Television. During this interview, Lagarde may comment on the outcomes of the ECB's October meeting in the context of the central bank's future actions. Lagarde will also speak at the IMF, though this address will not focus on the ECB's monetary policy ("The Future of Cross-Border Payments"). Furthermore, ECB Board Member Joachim Nagel and the ECB's Chief Economist, Philip Lane, will make remarks on Tuesday. Wednesday On Wednesday, Fed Board member Michelle Bowman will speak. It's worth noting that she was the only member of the Committee who, in September, voted against a 50-basis-point rate cut. Since that meeting, she has repeatedly expressed concerns about high inflation. On October 23, she will comment for the first time on the September CPI and PPI reports, which, as a reminder, reflected an acceleration in core inflation. If she even hypothetically suggests the possibility of maintaining a wait-and-see stance in November, the dollar could receive strong support. Currently, the likelihood of such a scenario is only 10%, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Also, the Consumer Confidence Indicator for the Eurozone will be published on Wednesday. This indicator has been in negative territory for over a year, but it showed positive momentum in September, rising from -13.5 to -12.9. The positive trend is expected to continue in October (forecast at -12.7). During the U.S. session on Wednesday, we will learn about the September figures for existing home sales in the United States. In August, sales volume decreased by 2.4%, and another decline of 1.2% is expected for September. Additionally, the Fed's Beige Book will be released on Wednesday. This report, compiled by the 12 Fed Banks, provides an overview of economic conditions across various regions of the United States. While the report is informative, it typically has a limited impact on the market. Thursday Thursday is PMI day, a key report, especially for the euro. The results of the ECB's October meeting were mixed. Lagarde neither confirmed nor denied discussions among ECB members about a 50-basis-point rate cut. However, she indicated that the pace and timing of further monetary policy easing would depend on incoming data, with PMI indices playing a crucial role. The September figures were in the "red," significantly influencing the outcome of the last ECB meeting. If October shows a continued downward trend in key indicators, the likelihood of a rate cut in December will increase significantly. Preliminary forecasts suggest minimal growth in both the manufacturing and services sectors. For instance, Germany's manufacturing PMI is expected to rise slightly from 40.6 to 40.7. The euro could come under pressure if the release disappoints amid such weak forecasts. The U.S. manufacturing PMI will be released during the U.S. session on Thursday. Forecasts suggest the indicator will remain in contraction territory but show an upward trend, moving from 47.3 to 47.5. The dollar would receive substantial support only if the index, contrary to expectations, crosses the 50-point threshold. Additionally, several Fed representatives will speak on Thursday. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, who holds voting rights this year, will share her views. She was appointed in September of this year, replacing Loretta Mester. It will be interesting to assess her dovish or hawkish stance. Also, on Thursday, attention should be paid to the trend in initial jobless claims. Over the past two weeks, this indicator has been relatively high (260,000, 241,000), raising legitimate concerns among dollar bulls. Another result above 230,000 could put pressure on the greenback. Friday On the last trading day of the week, the main focus for EUR/USD traders will be on the IFO indices. Last month, these indicators disappointed, adding to the pessimism reflected in the PMI figures. A minimal but positive growth is expected in October. For instance, the business climate index in Germany is forecasted to rise from 85.4 to 85.6. This release should be viewed in the context of the October PMIs, which will be published on Thursday. The IFO indices could amplify the impact if they come in weaker or stronger than expected, confirming the PMI trend (which is the critical factor). The durable goods orders report will be released during the U.S. session. In August, this indicator was flat (excluding transportation; it showed a 0.5% increase). For September, a decline of 1.1% is expected (excluding transportation, a decrease of 0.1%). Additionally, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index will be published on Friday, with a slight increase anticipated—from 68.9 to 69.6. Conclusions As we can see, the economic calendar for the upcoming week is not packed with significant events, but the scheduled releases could still trigger volatility in the EUR/USD pair. The key focus will be on the remarks from Fed representatives, who will likely comment on the September inflation reports in the U.S. Lagarde's interview with the chief editor of Bloomberg Television will also be of particular interest. Plus, the PMI indices are noteworthy. All other releases will play a secondary or, rather, a supporting role. Technically, on the D1 timeframe, the pair is positioned between the middle and lower lines of the Bollinger Bands indicator and below all Ichimoku indicator lines, which suggests a preference for short positions. The first target of the downward movement is 1.0810 (the lower line of the Bollinger Bands on H4). The main target is 1.0780 (the lower line of the Bollinger Bands on the daily chart). More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KostiaForexMart Posted October 22 Share Posted October 22 Talks and earnings: 114 companies set to surprise, but Nasdaq already up Market pauses: Stocks fall after record highs The Dow Jones and S&P 500 ended lower on Monday, ending an impressive six-week rally. Investors were wary of rising Treasury yields and were waiting for more earnings reports from major companies. Resting after a winning streak "After six weeks of consecutive records, it's logical that the market needs a breather," said Carol Schleiff, chief investment officer at BMO Family Office. With bond yields rising, market participants are taking a break, reassessing their outlook amid concerns about lofty market valuations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) fell 344.31 points, or 0.80%, to 42,931.60. The S&P 500 (.SPX) lost 10.69 points, or 0.18%, to end the day at 5,853.98. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) rose 50.45 points, or 0.27%, to 18,540.01, helped by a rally in Nvidia (NVDA.O) shares. The chipmaker's shares jumped 4.14%, closing at a record high of $143.71. Bond Questions and Investor Concerns The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds rose to 4.17%, the highest in 12 weeks. This raised questions about the economic outlook. "An increase in bond yields could indicate that the economy is growing too quickly, as well as persistently high employment levels," said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. According to him, such a situation could slow the process of lowering interest rates by the Federal Reserve. Last week - a series of records Recall that on Friday, the Dow and S&P 500 indices updated their records, ending the sixth week in positive territory in a row - the longest rally this year. Tech under pressure: Giants fall ahead of earnings Rate-sensitive tech stocks were under pressure, with Tesla (TSLA.O) falling 0.84%, one of the victims of rising bond yields that has added to investor anxiety. Findings in focus: Tesla and Coca-Cola in the crosshairs After a strong start to earnings season, investors were eagerly awaiting the results of 114 S&P 500 companies scheduled to report this week, including giants Tesla, Coca-Cola (KO.N) and Texas Instruments (TXN.O). Analysts believe that market participants are taking some profits ahead of a busy earnings week. "Many are now assessing how overblown current market expectations are," said David Laut, chief investment officer at Abound Financial. As of Friday, 83.1% of companies that had reported earnings in the past period had beaten earnings estimates, according to LSEG, highlighting the relative strength of the corporate sector. Broad declines: from real estate to small caps The decline on Monday affected almost all the key sectors of the S&P 500, with 11 of them ending the day in the red. The traditionally rate-sensitive real estate sector (.SPLRCR) lost 2.08% as bond yields rose, while the tech sector managed to show positive momentum, led by a rise in Nvidia shares. The Russell 2000 (.RUT), which includes economically sensitive small-cap companies, fell 1.61%, reflecting the jitters in the market. Elections and volatility: Political factors in play Investors are also keeping a close eye on the upcoming US presidential election, where former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, is showing positive momentum in the latest polls. Danske Bank analysts warn: "As the election date approaches, even small changes in the polls could be a catalyst for significant swings in market sentiment." Boeing in positive territory, Spirit Airlines soars on news Boeing (BA.N) shares rose 3.1% on news that a five-week strike could end. Workers could vote on a new deal that would allow the company to avoid further losses related to the production shutdown. Spirit Airlines on High: Shares Surge Spirit Airlines (SAVE.N) shares soared 53.06%, which was a reaction to successful negotiations to extend the refinancing of its debt by two months. This allowed the company to buy time and stabilize its financial obligations, which attracted the attention of investors. Healthcare Sector Decline: Humana and Cigna Lose On the opposite side of the market, Humana (HUM.N) shares fell 2.46%. This is due to Cigna (CI.N) resuming merger talks with Humana, which caused some concerns in the market. The decline did not pass by Cigna shares, which lost 4.69%. Economic Week: Key Reports on the Horizon Investors are expecting the publication of a number of key economic data this week, including home sales reports, preliminary PMI indices, as well as durable goods data. In addition, the market will be focused on the release of the so-called Beige Book of the Federal Reserve, a document assessing the state of the economy. Bearish sentiment prevails On the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the vast majority of stocks ended the day in the red: for every one advancing stock, there were 3.51 declining ones. However, there were still some positive moments in the market: 262 new highs and 47 new lows were recorded. The S&P 500 posted 42 new yearly highs and two new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite Index posted 89 new highs and 51 new lows. Trading volume on U.S. exchanges totaled 11.35 billion shares, slightly below the average volume of 11.59 billion over the past 20 trading days. Markets under pressure: Geopolitics and elections keep investors on edge Global stock markets started the week lower as rising geopolitical tensions and the upcoming U.S. presidential election kept traders cautious. This market sentiment played into gold's hands, as futures for the precious metal soared again, reaching new records. Gold in Focus: The Precious Metal at its Peak Gold prices hit new all-time highs on Monday, remaining at $2,719.33 an ounce. U.S. gold futures rose 0.3% to close the day at $2,738.9. Gold's rise reflects investor sentiment, which is seeking safe havens amid uncertainty and turbulence in global markets. Nvidia Continues to Win Nvidia (NVDA.O) shares are back on a high, finishing at a record high. The gains come ahead of a big earnings week, raising investor expectations for strong financial results. European and Asian indices under pressure European stock markets also fell in the general negative trend, with the STOXX index losing 0.66%. MSCI's Global Equities Index, which covers stock markets around the world, fell 0.37%. In Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.5%. Earnings Season and Elections: Risk Factors for the Market As James St. Aubyn, chief investment officer at Ocean Park Asset Management, noted, there is a certain nervousness in the market right now due to the start of the busy earnings season. However, investors' attention is still focused on the US elections, which will take place in two weeks. Despite this, the usual pre-election volatility of September and October is felt less this year. Oil recoups losses: growth against the background of the previous drawdown Oil prices demonstrate confident growth, adding almost 2% after a significant drop last week. Brent crude futures increased by 1.68%, reaching $ 74.29 per barrel, and American West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil rose by 1.94%, stopping at $ 70.56 per barrel. This growth signals the return of confidence among market participants after the past fluctuations. Fed in the crosshairs: probability of a rate cut Markets are actively monitoring the probability of a Fed rate cut at the November meeting. According to the CME FedWatch tool, the probability of a 25 basis point rate cut is estimated at 89.3%. Meanwhile, the chances of maintaining the current rate level remain minimal - only 10.7%. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note also extended its climb, rising 11.9 basis points to 4.194%. The data underscores the tension in the market as players try to anticipate the Federal Reserve's next moves. Dollar Strengthens as Bond Yields Rise The US dollar continued to strengthen, supported by rising bond yields. The euro, on the other hand, weakened, falling 0.46% to $1.0815. Sterling also lost ground, falling 0.51% to $1.2982. The Japanese yen came under pressure, with the dollar up 0.86% against the yen to $150.79. The gains in the US currency reflected global market sentiment driven by expectations of a tighter US monetary policy. ECB Cuts Rates Again, German Producer Prices Continue to Fall The European Central Bank took another step toward easing monetary policy last week, cutting interest rates for the third time this year. The measures are aimed at supporting the eurozone economy amid slowing growth and inflation pressures. German Producer Prices Fall More Than Expected New data on Monday showed that German producer prices fell more than expected in September, adding to concerns about the outlook for Europe's largest economy, where manufacturing sectors continue to struggle amid global economic uncertainty. Dollar Continues to Rise: Amid Global Tensions The dollar index, which tracks the dollar against a basket of major currencies including the euro and yen, rose 0.49% to 103.97. The dollar's gains come as geopolitical tensions continue to mount, with the US presidential election looming, leading to increased market jitters. Markets Brace for Election: Caution Among Investors "With the Middle East escalating and the US election just days away, it is likely that markets are starting to get jittery and participants are trying to rebalance their positions," said Wasif Latif, president and chief investment officer of Sarmaya Partners. More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KostiaForexMart Posted October 23 Share Posted October 23 Verizon and GE Aerospace Fall, GM Gains: Three Key Stocks of the Day on Wall Street U.S. stocks ended the day with little change Tuesday's trading session on U.S. stock markets closed without significant movements, although Nasdaq showed a slight rise. Investors continue to closely monitor the dynamics of Treasury bond yields while awaiting corporate earnings reports to better assess the state of the U.S. economy. Market digesting bond yields "In recent days, the market has been trying to digest changes in Treasury bond yields. We're seeing quite significant fluctuations in this segment," said Jack Janasiewicz, portfolio manager at Natixis Investment Managers Solutions. Key index results During volatile trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) fell by 6.71 points, or 0.02%, to 42,924.89. The S&P 500 (.SPX) dropped by 2.78 points, or 0.05%, closing at 5,851.20. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) saw a gain of 33.12 points, or 0.18%, reaching 18,573.13. Consumer goods sector leads gains Nearly half of the S&P sectors closed in positive territory, with the consumer goods sector (.SPLRCS) leading the charge, up by 0.92%, driving market optimism. Treasury yields hit new highs Earlier in the day, the yield on 10-year Treasury bonds hit 4.222%, its highest level since July 26, as investors reassessed expectations for the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. However, yields dipped slightly during the session. Investors fear Fed's aggressive moves "The main concern is rising interest rates and fears that the Federal Reserve may have been too aggressive in September. This is fueling a global sell-off in bonds," noted Michael Green, portfolio manager at Simplify Asset Management. GE Aerospace drags industrial sector down Shares of GE Aerospace (GE.N) tumbled by 9%, despite an optimistic profit forecast for 2024. Persistent supply chain issues negatively impacted the company's revenue, weighing down the broader industrial index (.SPLRCI), which fell by 1.19%. Tech sector holds steady At the same time, the technology sector (.SPLRCT) posted a modest gain of 0.15%. Leading the charge was Microsoft (MSFT.O), with its shares rising by 2.08%, maintaining a sense of optimism amid market instability. Volatility continues during earnings season "Earnings season is traditionally accompanied by high volatility, especially given the uncertainty surrounding future interest rate changes," explained Chuck Carlson, CEO of Horizon Investment Services. Experts expect the next few weeks to remain turbulent for stock markets, as investors closely watch corporate earnings, economic data, and the outcome of U.S. elections, followed by the Federal Reserve's decision. Chances of rate cuts remain high According to CME's FedWatch data, traders are pricing in an 89.6% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut in November. This indicates strong market confidence in a dovish stance from the Federal Reserve. Disappointments and surprises from major players Verizon (VZ.N) fell by 5.03% after its third-quarter financial results failed to meet market expectations. The telecom giant underperformed revenue forecasts, leading to a negative reaction from investors. Shares of 3M (MMM.N) declined by 2.31%, despite the company raising its full-year adjusted profit forecast. The market seemed unimpressed, responding with a sell-off. General Motors surprises, Lockheed Martin disappoints Amid the broader market tension, General Motors (GM.N) surged by 9.81% after its third-quarter results exceeded Wall Street's expectations. In contrast, Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) dropped by 6.12% following the release of its earnings, which failed to impress analysts. Housing sector under pressure from rising rates Stocks of companies sensitive to interest rates, particularly in the housing sector, took a hit during the latest trading session. The PHLX Housing Index (.HGX) dropped by 3.05%, driven largely by a 7.24% decline in PulteGroup (PHM.N) shares, despite the company surpassing earnings and revenue forecasts. Facing headwinds from interest rates "While the earnings themselves were quite solid, companies highly exposed to interest rate changes are likely facing some headwinds, as investors grapple with the overall interest rate narrative," said Carlson. Upcoming reports: Baker Hughes and Texas Instruments Investor attention is now turning to Baker Hughes (BKR.O) and Texas Instruments (TXN.O), which are set to report earnings after the market closes. Market participants are eagerly awaiting these figures to gauge the broader corporate landscape. NYSE market breadth favors decliners On the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), decliners outnumbered gainers by a ratio of 1.37 to 1. Additionally, 186 new highs and 58 new lows were recorded during the trading session. The S&P 500 saw 15 new 52-week highs and 4 new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite registered 72 new highs and 61 new lows. Total trading volume on U.S. exchanges reached 11.45 billion shares, surpassing the 20-day average of 11.28 billion. Gold hits record high, dollar strengthens Gold prices reached a record high of $2,750.9 per ounce on Wednesday, driven by ongoing Middle East tensions and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's future moves and the U.S. election. Meanwhile, the dollar strengthened, putting pressure on both the yen and euro, while Asian stocks saw slight gains as investors remained cautious ahead of the contested U.S. elections. Asian markets post mixed results The broad MSCI index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) climbed 0.3% in recent trading. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei (.N225) fell 1% ahead of the upcoming national elections this weekend. Chinese stocks rise on stimulus hopes Chinese and Hong Kong stocks finished higher on Wednesday, buoyed by government promises to support the economy. However, the specifics of the timing and scale of the stimulus measures remain unclear, keeping investor optimism in check. European markets remain cautious In Europe, the mood remained subdued: Eurostoxx 50 futures edged up 0.08%, while Germany's DAX futures rose by 0.11%. However, FTSE futures dipped slightly, falling by 0.04%, reflecting continued caution among European traders. Trump presidency back in focus Investors are also paying close attention to the prospect of Donald Trump's potential return to the White House. His policies, which include tariffs and stricter controls on illegal immigration, are expected to drive inflation higher. This has further strengthened the dollar as markets anticipate U.S. interest rates remaining higher for longer than previously expected. Tight race for the White House The odds of Trump defeating Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris have improved on betting platforms. However, polls show that the presidential race remains highly competitive and too close to call. Market volatility expected ahead of elections With less than two weeks to go before the November 5 election, investors are bracing for increased market volatility. The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds hit 4.234% during Asian trading hours, the highest level in three months, reflecting expectations of prolonged high rates. Treasury bond sell-off intensifies The sell-off in U.S. Treasury bonds has accelerated this week as markets recognize the risk that the Federal Reserve could reignite inflation if it eases its stance in an improving economy. Prashant Newnaha, senior Asia-Pacific rates strategist at TD Securities, highlighted the growing concerns about inflation. Trump's election prospects shift market expectations The improved odds of Donald Trump winning the upcoming U.S. election have also dampened market expectations of further Fed easing in 2025. There's a chance that the Federal Reserve may take a back seat for six months next year, which could alter the trajectory of monetary policy. Dollar strengthens amid Fed rate outlook Expectations of slower Fed rate cuts have pushed the dollar higher in recent weeks. The dollar index, which measures the currency's value against six major rivals, climbed to 104.17, its highest since August 2. Yen and euro face pressure The yen fell to a three-month low of 152.28 against the dollar, while the euro dropped to $1.0792, its lowest since August 2. Both currencies are facing headwinds as the dollar continues to strengthen. Gold hits new highs amid geopolitical tension Gold prices soared to a new record high of $2,750.9 per ounce, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the Fed's future moves and the U.S. election drive demand for safe-haven assets. Oil prices correct after rally Oil prices saw a slight correction after sharp gains earlier in the week. Brent crude futures fell 0.14% to $75.93 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped 0.18% to $71.61 per barrel. More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KostiaForexMart Posted October 24 Share Posted October 24 Tesla Benefits as Giants Slip, Shares Rise 12% After Quarterly Results Wall Street Closes in the Red: Bond Yields Pressure Stocks On Wednesday, trading on Wall Street ended with a decline in the indices, amid rising Treasury bond yields, which negatively affected large-cap companies. Investors lost confidence in a rapid rate cut by the Federal Reserve, while corporate news added tension, hitting McDonald's and Coca-Cola stock prices. Bond Pressure and Fed Doubts The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds reached its highest point in three months. Investors are reconsidering their expectations for future Fed decisions, given steady economic indicators and the upcoming presidential elections. "The market is struggling to digest this latest rise in yields," noted Adam Turnquist, chief technical analyst at LPL Financial, emphasizing that higher rates are putting additional pressure on stocks. Mega Caps Under Fire Shares of large-cap companies sensitive to interest rate changes were in decline: Nvidia dropped 2.81%, Apple lost 2.16%, Meta Platforms (an organization banned in Russia) fell by 3.15%, and Amazon saw a decrease of 2.63%. These tech giants dragged down the tech-heavy Nasdaq index. Market Leaders and Laggards Among the 11 sectors in the S&P 500 index, only utilities and real estate showed positive momentum. All other sectors finished the day in negative territory. Market Results The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 409.94 points, or 0.96%, to 42,514.95. The S&P 500 lost 53.78 points, or 0.92%, to 5,797.42, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 296.47 points, or 1.60%, closing at 18,276.65. McDonald's and Coca-Cola Under Pressure from the News McDonald's stock dropped by 5.12% amid alarming news of an E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounder burgers. The incident resulted in one death and numerous illnesses, dealing a significant blow to the company. Coca-Cola also came under pressure, with its shares falling by 2.07%, despite confirming its annual profit forecast. Investors were disappointed as the expected revenue didn't meet higher expectations. Consumer Goods Sector Declines The broader consumer goods sector saw a 1.82% decline. The information technology sector followed suit, with a drop of 1.68%, adding to the overall negative market trend. Investors Lock in Profits "The market recently reached new all-time highs, and many portfolio managers have decided to lock in profits," noted Thomas Martin, senior portfolio manager at Globalt Investments. He added that the current market sentiment is contributing to mass selling as investors seek to secure gains amid growing uncertainty. Boeing Hit by Strike-Related Losses Boeing shares fell by 1.76% following the announcement of $6 billion in quarterly losses due to a prolonged production halt caused by a strike. Later that day, Boeing workers were set to vote on a new contract proposal that could end the five-week-long standoff. Texas Instruments and AT&T Shine Despite the overall negative market trend, Texas Instruments posted positive results, with its shares rising by 4% after third-quarter earnings exceeded analyst expectations. AT&T also pleased investors, with its stock climbing 4.60% as the company's wireless subscriber growth in the third quarter outpaced forecasts. S&P 500 Sees Third Consecutive Drop The S&P 500 index recorded its third consecutive daily decline, highlighting the market's growing tension and investor concerns. U.S. Markets Near Record Highs, But Volatility Looms U.S. stock markets are hovering near record levels, but analysts warn that a combination of earnings reports, shifts in monetary policy expectations, and the upcoming presidential election could test the rally and spark volatility. Fed's Struggle with Inflation Richmond Federal Reserve President Thomas Barkin noted that the Fed's battle to bring inflation back to its 2% target may take longer than expected, which could limit the potential for rate cuts in the near future. Beige Book: Economy on Pause, Hiring Increases The latest report from the Federal Reserve, known as the Beige Book, showed that U.S. economic activity has remained largely unchanged from September to early October. However, companies continue to increase hiring, offering some optimism for the labor market. NYSE Pressure: Declining Stocks Dominate On the New York Stock Exchange, declining stocks significantly outnumbered gainers, with a ratio of 3.27 to 1. The exchange recorded 102 new highs and 59 new lows, illustrating mixed market performance. New Highs and Lows: Divergence Continues The S&P 500 index registered 28 new 52-week highs and 4 new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite saw 60 new highs but also recorded 90 new lows, indicating ongoing risks in the market. Trading Volume on the Rise Trading volume on U.S. exchanges for the day totaled 11.83 billion shares, surpassing the 20-day average of 11.29 billion shares. This increased investor activity could signal that the market is preparing for significant changes in the near future. Rivian and Lucid See Gains Amid Tesla's Success Shares of Tesla's smaller electric vehicle competitors, Rivian and Lucid, both rose by 2% after trading hours, reflecting growing confidence in the electric vehicle market. This growth underscores the attention to the sector, where Tesla remains the dominant player. Self-Driving Cars: Ready by Next Year? Elon Musk confirmed Tesla's plans to launch self-driving cars with paid rides as early as next year. The company is awaiting approval from regulatory authorities in California and Texas, which could pave the way for the commercialization of this technology. Tesla's Autopilot Gains Momentum Following the robotaxi presentation, demand for Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software surged. In response to the growing interest, the company offered existing users free access to FSD for one month, marking the second time this year that such an offer was made. This reflects increasing adoption of Tesla's technologies and supports confidence in its long-term strategy. Tesla Invests in the Future Despite Market Uncertainty Despite uncertain demand for electric vehicles and the withdrawal of some competitors from the market, Tesla continues to expand its product line and reduce production costs. The company is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence projects and manufacturing capacity. Tesla plans to release new, more affordable models within the next two years, with the first sales expected in the first half of 2025. Tesla's Profit Margins Exceed Expectations Tesla's third-quarter results impressed analysts: the company's automotive profit margin, excluding regulatory credits, reached 17.05%, up from 14.6% in the previous quarter. This figure exceeded Wall Street's forecast of 14.9%. These results highlight the company's financial resilience, even amid market challenges and competition in the industry. Tesla Lowers Production Costs, Beats Earnings Forecasts Tesla announced that the cost of producing a single electric vehicle reached a historic low, at about $35,100. This was achieved through reduced labor and material costs. Moreover, the company reported an adjusted profit of 72 cents per share for the third quarter, significantly surpassing analysts' expectations of 58 cents. 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KostiaForexMart Posted October 25 Share Posted October 25 XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast Gold prices remain under pressure near the lower edge of their daily range, influenced by several factors. The U.S. dollar has paused its corrective pullback from the nearly three-month high reached yesterday, supported by expectations of a more gradual rate reduction by the Federal Reserve. Simultaneously, a positive risk sentiment undermines the growth of the precious metal, traditionally considered a safe-haven asset.analytics671b6a03c5cfb.jpgHowever, the ongoing decline in U.S. Treasury yields is preventing dollar bulls from adopting aggressive positions. Additionally, political uncertainty in the U.S. ahead of the presidential elections on November 5, and escalating tensions in the Middle East, may lend moderate support to the precious metal. For trading opportunities today, focus on U.S. macroeconomic data, including durable goods orders and the revised University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index. From a technical perspective, recent price action on short-term charts has formed a bearish "head and shoulders" pattern. The neckline support of this pattern is situated around the $2,707 level, which now serves as strong support. Any further selling that drives the price below the psychological level of $2,700 would pave the way for deeper losses, pulling the price down to the $2,685 support level, with the potential to extend further towards the $2,662 level. On the other hand, the $2,740 level has emerged as an immediate strong barrier. Sustained strength beyond this region would invalidate the "head and shoulders" pattern, allowing the precious metal to target a retest of the historical high around $2,758, which was reached earlier this week. A subsequent upward movement could push the XAU/USD pair towards the psychological level of $2,800. More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KostiaForexMart Posted Monday at 02:21 PM Share Posted Monday at 02:21 PM Nasdaq up, Capri down: Surprise winners and losers of the week Nasdaq Rises: Hope for the "Magnificent Seven" Inspires Investors Friday's trading session on the Nasdaq closed on a positive note, fueled by gains in mega-cap stocks as investors eagerly awaited upcoming earnings reports from some of Wall Street's largest players. This anticipation created a notable surge of interest across the market. Tesla Back in the Spotlight Tesla shares became a symbol of renewed optimism on Wall Street. Brian Jacobsen, Chief Economist at Annex Wealth Management, noted that Tesla's performance strengthened investors' belief that the rally in tech giants — known as the "Magnificent Seven" — is far from over. This elite group includes the stocks of major companies that are sensitive to interest rate changes and actively involved in AI advancements. Nvidia Takes the Lead Over Apple Amid this tech rally, Nvidia (NVDA.O), the largest chipmaker, briefly surpassed Apple (AAPL.O), making it the most valuable company by market capitalization. This achievement highlights the high interest in AI-developing companies, further supporting the entire tech sector. A Test of Resilience: Bond Yields and Employment Data Investors are also closely monitoring U.S. 10-year Treasury yields, which rose again. On Friday, they approached a three-month high of 4.26%. This level of yield generally pressures the stock market, raising questions about the future of Federal Reserve interest rates. All eyes are now on next week's U.S. employment data, which may provide clues about the Fed's upcoming rate decisions. Dow Falls: Banks and McDonald's Struggle The Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) dropped by 259.96 points, or 0.61%, to settle at 42,114.40. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 (.SPX) slipped by 1.74 points, or 0.03%, to 5,808.12, while the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) gained 103.12 points, or 0.56%, reaching 18,518.61. The Dow Jones dropped primarily due to weak bank stock performance. For example, shares of Goldman Sachs (GS.N) fell by 2.27%. McDonald's (MCD.N) also lost 2.97% amid a negative reaction to news of an E. coli outbreak allegedly linked to its burgers. Next week promises to be eventful, as the earnings results of major companies and economic data could set a new tone for Wall Street. Stock Market in Tension: High Valuation of S&P 500 Under Pressure of Expectations The S&P 500 (.SPX) has shown impressive annual growth of about 22%, but recent days have seen a pullback from record levels. Despite this, stocks remain highly valued, making them vulnerable in the event of unexpected disappointments in the near future. Record Price-to-Earnings Ratio: Risk or Growth Signal? According to LSEG Datastream, the S&P 500 P/E ratio, calculated based on expected earnings over the next 12 months, reached 21.8. This value is approaching a three-year high, highlighting investors' high expectations. High multiples, as known, can provoke a deeper correction in case of negative news, and in the coming days, investors, as noted by Chase Investment Counsel Corp. President Peter Tuz, will be "on pins and needles." Key Market Players on the Verge of Earnings Five of the largest tech giants from the "Magnificent Seven" group — the very companies that have consistently influenced the stock market in recent years — are preparing to release their quarterly reports. Next week, investors will closely monitor the results of leaders such as Alphabet (GOOGL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), Meta Platforms (banned in Russia), Apple (AAPL.O), and Amazon (AMZN.O). The outcome of their reports could set the tone for the market in the near future. High Stakes for Tech Giants The combined market value of these giants constitutes 23% of the total S&P 500. This means that their financial results could significantly impact the overall market, as any fluctuation in these corporations' stocks will inevitably affect the main indices. Investors on Edge: The "Magnificent Seven" Under Close Scrutiny Shares of the so-called "Magnificent Seven" companies are currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 35. This is significantly above the average for other S&P 500 companies, as these tech giants have consistently outperformed in profit growth. However, experts predict that this gap will gradually narrow in the coming quarters. High Multiples Under Pressure: Expectations in the Balance Bryant VanCronkhite, Senior Portfolio Manager at Allspring Global Investments, noted that high valuations are only justified as long as these companies maintain stable growth. "If the justification for these high valuations weakens, there could be significant downside," he emphasized, adding that stock price fluctuations will directly depend on the consistency of growth metrics. AI Investments: Path to Future Gains or Risky Bet? Investors are paying close attention to these tech giants' spending on artificial intelligence. Companies with massive AI platforms, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta, plan to increase capital spending by 40% this year. Meanwhile, other companies in the S&P 500 are expected to cut capital spending by 1% in 2024, according to BofA Global Research. This underscores the strategic importance of AI initiatives for tech leaders, but also raises questions about the potential return on these investments. Tesla Kicks Off Earnings Season: Musk Forecasts Sales Growth Tesla (TSLA.O) became the first of the "Magnificent Seven" to release its latest quarterly results. The company saw a boost in its stock price after CEO Elon Musk announced plans to increase car sales by 20-30% next year. This positive outlook heightened interest in the upcoming earnings reports and further fueled enthusiasm for Tesla shares, which remain influenced by the company's ambitious goals. In the coming weeks, investors will assess whether the new investments in artificial intelligence and technology scaling justify the high expectations placed on the "Magnificent Seven," or if the market will need to adjust its hopes. A Packed Earnings Week: Corporate Results and Key Economic Data The upcoming week promises to be one of the busiest for the third-quarter earnings season, with over 150 companies from the S&P 500 expected to report their financial results. This is a crucial moment for the market, as many investors are counting on solid numbers that could drive further growth. Employment Report: New Jobs Under Analysts' Spotlight The U.S. employment report, expected on November 1, comes amid debates over whether a robust economy could prevent the Federal Reserve from cutting interest rates. Economists estimate that the U.S. economy added around 140,000 jobs in October. However, recent severe storms could complicate the data. Special attention will be on wage data, as it may provide insight into future inflation dynamics, explained Nanette Abuhoff Jacobson, Global Investment Strategist at Hartford Funds. Treasury Yield Rises: Shifting Expectations This week, U.S. Treasury yields reached three-month highs, indicating rising expectations of a less dovish Federal Reserve policy. Moreover, there is an increasing likelihood of higher spending under a new president. Political betting markets have recently raised the probability of a Trump victory, as the Republican candidate is associated with protectionist policies, including tariffs, that could lead to higher inflation. Mounting Tension: Elections and the Fed's Decision Next week marks the beginning of a series of significant events that could impact the market. From Election Day on November 5 to the Federal Reserve's announcement on November 7, investors may find themselves in a state of anxious anticipation. In such an environment, every economic report and corporate result will be critical in shaping future market sentiment. Volatility Returns: VIX Indicator Signals Increased Risk The Cboe Volatility Index (.VIX), known as an indicator of demand for protection against market swings, is again showing signs of strain. After dipping below the 15 mark at the end of last month, the VIX is now hovering around 19, reflecting growing unease among market participants ahead of the upcoming election. Analysts Warn: Prepare for Swings UBS Global Wealth Management analysts, in a Thursday note, highlighted that investors should brace for increased volatility ahead of the November 5 presidential election. As Election Day approaches, market confidence will likely remain under pressure, and any news event could trigger sharp price swings. Vulnerable Sentiment: Market on the Verge of Change Experts believe that the high volatility is tied to overall uncertainty and political risks that typically accompany election periods in the U.S. Investors seeking to protect their assets are increasing demand for protective options, which is reflected in the VIX's rise. More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KostiaForexMart Posted Wednesday at 10:20 AM Share Posted Wednesday at 10:20 AM Boeing Falls, Russell 2000 Gains: How Wall Street Reacts to Weekly News Wall Street Up at Start of Busy Earnings Week The U.S. stock market ended the day in the green on Monday amid growing optimism ahead of a flurry of earnings from major corporations and the final push before the November 5 presidential election. Investor confidence was boosted by the fact that energy supplies remain stable despite the escalation in the Middle East, which has not affected critical infrastructure. Israel's Response: Focus on Defense Facilities Israel's response to the Iranian attack earlier this month focused on military plants and strategic sites near Tehran, leaving refineries and nuclear facilities out of the strike zone. That caution has reduced the risk to global oil supplies and provided reassurance to investors worried about the impact of geopolitical tensions on the energy sector. Earnings Week: Markets Await the Magnificent Seven This week's key event will be the release of quarterly earnings reports from 169 companies in the S&P 500, including many of the tech leaders. Investors are particularly focused on the so-called "Magnificent Seven" — the tech giants that have driven the market to record highs. Alphabet, Meta, and Apple are set to report results in the coming days, fueling speculation about further gains. The major indexes gained steadily on Monday, with the S&P 500 up 15.4 points (+0.27%) to 5,823.52; the Nasdaq Composite up 48.58 points (+0.26%) to 18,567.19; and the Dow Jones up 273.17 points (+0.65%) to close at 42,387.57. Nvidia Overtakes Apple, AI Remains in Focus Last week was a big one, with Nvidia overtaking Apple in market value to become the world's most valuable company. Investors are now eagerly awaiting data on AI spending, which could play a key role in the tech sector's performance given the huge expectations for AI in the coming years. Corporate Earnings: A Look Ahead "Earnings reports will be key to understanding what capital expenditures companies can afford to make next year," said Paul Christopher, head of global investment strategy at Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Corporate executives will be disclosing their plans for the future, which will be an important guide for investors. Microsoft and Amazon, in particular, will be in the spotlight this week when they report results. Small Caps Take the Lead The Russell 2000 index, which tracks small-cap companies, rose 1.63% today, outperforming the major indexes. The jump underscores investors' appetite for riskier assets as larger companies focus on earnings. Energy Slips, Financials Gains As crude oil prices fell 5%, the energy sector took a hit, falling 0.65%. The easing of concerns over oil supplies has dampened interest in energy, while financials have been the most dynamic sector, demonstrating the attractiveness of banking and insurance assets in the current economic environment. Market Optimism: Stocks Rise The New York Stock Exchange was dominated by gainers today, with nearly two gainers for every one that fell (a ratio of 1.88 to 1). An impressive number of stocks reached new highs, with the NYSE recording 147 new records and 41 new lows. The S&P 500 posted 15 new yearly highs and 2 new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite posted 101 new highs and 67 new lows. Economic Data: What to Expect from the Fed Markets will be watching economic data closely this week, especially the Consumer Price Index (CPI) due out on Thursday. The data is critical for the Federal Reserve as it is an indicator of inflation and could influence its future policy. Presidential Election: A New Chapter or Continuation of Politics? With the presidential election approaching, investors are keeping a close eye on the political situation in the United States. Despite the close forecasts, markets are considering the possibility of a second Donald Trump administration, adding an additional layer of uncertainty to the investment strategy for the coming years. Boeing Seeks Funding as Shares Fall Aircraft giant Boeing shares fell 2.8% after the company said it would raise up to $22 billion in additional funding. The funds are expected to support Boeing as it struggles financially with an ongoing labor strike that is having a significant impact on its business. 3M Supports Dow with JP Morgan 3M shares jumped 4.4%, providing significant support to the Dow. The gains came after analysts at JP Morgan raised their price target for the industrial conglomerate, boosting investor optimism and adding to the positive sentiment in the market. Japanese Yen Hits Lows The yen fell to a three-month low against the US dollar. The moves came amid political instability in Japan following the recent elections, which left the country in a state of political uncertainty that has spilled over into the currency market. US Jobs Report: Key Data on the Horizon Markets are eyeing US jobs data for October on Friday. The economy is expected to add 123,000 jobs and the unemployment rate will remain steady at 4.1%. The report will be a key indicator of the health of the economy ahead of the presidential election in a week. The White House Race: In the Homestretch Ahead of the US presidential election, polls show a tight race, with Vice President Kamala Harris holding a narrow lead over Donald Trump, 46% to 43%, according to a national survey. The November 5 vote is expected to be one of the closest and most unpredictable in recent memory. Bond Yields Peak: Election and Data Awaiting With political and economic data in the air, the yield on the US 10-year Treasury note has hit a three-month high. On Monday, the yield rose 4.4 basis points to 4.274%, indicating a growing appetite for longer-dated assets ahead of the election and more economic data. 'Calm before the storm' on Wall Street "We are experiencing a kind of calm before the storm," is how Subadra Rajappa, head of US rates strategy at Societe Generale, described the current situation. According to her, investors have become cautious ahead of the presidential election, trying to minimize risks. Oil falls: calm in the Middle East supported prices Oil prices fell sharply as fears of an escalation in the Middle East eased. Brent crude futures closed at $71.42 a barrel, down 6.09%, or $4.63. American WTI crude also fell, by 6.13% or $4.40, to close at $67.38 per barrel. The decline put pressure on energy stocks, and the S&P 500 energy sector ended the day down 0.7%, although the major indices remained in positive territory. Truth Social shares soar Shares in Trump Media & Technology Group, the owner of the Truth Social platform, jumped 21.6% on Monday, continuing their recent rally. Interest in the company is growing in light of the upcoming elections and increased attention to media assets associated with Donald Trump. Global markets are on the rise Global markets also saw growth, with the MSCI index for world shares rising by 0.29%, or 2.44 points, to close at 847.93. The European STOXX 600 index also ended the day up 0.41%, reflecting positive investor sentiment in the global market. Yen under pressure: political instability in Japan The Japanese yen continues to remain under pressure due to political changes in the country. The results of the latest elections have weakened the ruling coalition, and this brings significant uncertainty to the political course and monetary policy. The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan lost its parliamentary majority, leaving the country with 215 seats in the lower house instead of the required 233, which has presented the country with new challenges in governance and financial policy. Dollar strengthens against the yen The dollar against the yen shows significant gains, rising 1% to reach 153.88, which was the yen's lowest value since late July. Later, the dollar corrected slightly, ending the trading session up 0.64% at 153.28. This reflects the continued interest in the dollar despite the instability that has gripped the Japanese currency following the country's political changes. Dollar under pressure: rate against world currencies The dollar index, which tracks its value against a basket of major world currencies, showed a slight decline of 0.08%, reaching 104.30. At the same time, the euro strengthened by 0.19%, reaching $1.0813. These indicators indicate the complex dynamics of currency markets against the backdrop of global political and economic factors, as well as the delicate balance between the American and European currency blocs. More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KostiaForexMart Posted Thursday at 08:07 AM Share Posted Thursday at 08:07 AM Alphabet Soars as Nasdaq Hits New High: How Tech Giant Breathed Life into Market Tech Boom and Big Expectations The Nasdaq stock index hit a new record close on Tuesday, while the S&P 500 showed positive dynamics. However, the Dow remained in the red, while investors kept a close eye on financial reports. The main event of the evening was the results of Google's parent company, Alphabet (GOOGL.O), which were released after the end of the trading day. Alphabet, one of the so-called "Magnificent Seven" tech giants, reported earnings that beat market expectations, adding to investor confidence. Earnings Week: Focus on the Magnificent Seven This week has been one of the busiest this quarter for the S&P 500, with five of the "Magnificent Seven" reporting their quarterly results. The reports could help determine whether Wall Street continues to embrace the tech and AI bullishness that has driven stock indexes to new highs this year. Yield Distortion: Focus on the Magnificent "One of the key things the market is thinking about right now is whether there's a potential plateau in earnings growth between the Magnificent Seven, which are heavily weighted in the market, and the rest of the pack," explains Bill Mertz, head of capital markets research at U.S. Asset Management. Bank. Market Summary: Facts and Figures The Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) rose 145.56 points, or 0.78%, to close at 18,712.75, surpassing its previous record close in July. The S&P 500 (.SPX) added 9.45 points, or 0.16%, to close at 5,832.97. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) fell 154.52 points, or 0.36%, to close at 42,233.05. Tech Prospects: New Wave or Correction? The next earnings results from the Magnificent Seven will be crucial in assessing whether the tech and AI sector can continue to rise or whether the market will face a correction. VF Corp on the Rise: Return to Profit Investors reacted enthusiastically to quarterly earnings reports, carefully assessing the prospects of companies. One of the bright spots was VF Corp (VFC.N), the owner of the Vans brand. The company reported its first profit in two quarters, sending its shares up an impressive 27%. VF Corp's rally was one of the few positive signs that gave the market optimism. D.R. Horton Disappoints with 2025 Outlook However, not everyone had a good day. Large U.S. homebuilder D.R. Horton (DHI.N) fell 7.2% after issuing a 2025 outlook that was below analysts' expectations. Other companies in the construction sector followed suit, sending the PHLX Housing Index (.HGX) down 2.5%. The housing market remains under pressure, and sentiment in the sector is still mixed. Ford on the decline: Profit forecast misses expectations There was also bad news from auto giant Ford (F.N), whose shares lost 8.4% on the day. The company said it was likely to meet only the lower end of its full-year profit forecast. The news dampened investor interest and raised concerns about the auto industry's prospects amid a tough economic environment. Visa and Chipotle report profits after the close Payment processor Visa (V.N) and restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG.N) also reported after the close. Their figures are of particular interest because they could impact investor confidence in the resilience of the services sector amid ongoing volatility. Labor Market Worries and Surprisingly High Confidence According to the Labor Department's JOLTS survey, the number of job openings in the United States fell to 7.44 million in September, while economists had forecast about 8 million. This may indicate a weakening of hiring activity and adds uncertainty to the economic picture. However, contrary to this, the consumer confidence index unexpectedly rose to 108.7 in October, which significantly exceeded the forecast of 99.5 and indicates continued optimism among consumers. Communications Sector Growth Amid Utilities Fall The leader of growth on this day was the communications sector (.SPLRCL), supported by such giants as Alphabet and Meta (banned in Russia), while utilities (.SPLRCU) fell by 2.1%. Treasury yields cap gains Adding to the pressure on markets was the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield, which rose to 4.3%, the highest since early July. The jump in yields points to a possible tightening of business conditions, curbing the strong gains in stock indices. Investors brace for volatility as earnings and geopolitics play on nerves Tough weeks lie ahead for Wall Street, as corporate earnings rise, investors must cope with the escalating situation in the Middle East and prepare for the US elections on November 5. The Federal Reserve will meet shortly after this important event to discuss further steps to regulate financial policy. These key moments, intertwined with corporate earnings, promise to add even more tension to the markets. Selling Dominance on NYSE: Markets Record Gap The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) saw a 1.78-to-1 ratio of selling assets to buying assets, with 176 new highs and 75 new lows reported for the day among stocks traded on the exchange. The S&P 500 posted 19 new highs over the past 52 weeks and no new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite posted 93 new highs and 70 new lows. Trading Activity Above Average Trading volume on U.S. stock exchanges totaled 12.59 billion shares, above the 11.5 billion share average over the past 20 trading days. The increased activity indicates growing investor interest as investors navigate the growing volume of corporate earnings and expected volatility. Stocks Rising: Betting on Tech and AI US stocks have been on a steady rise this year, driven in large part by optimism around tech companies and the booming field of artificial intelligence. With such expectations, investors continue to look to long-term opportunities, even as turbulence may hit the market in the coming weeks. Political Heat: US Prepares for Election The decisive round of the US presidential election will take place on November 5. The race between incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, remains tight, with polls showing a narrow gap in the ratings of the candidates. Political uncertainty is adding to the jitters in the markets, where traders and investors are closely monitoring the news. Short-Term Outlook: Risk Reduction and Trading Turbulence "I wouldn't be surprised to see some de-risking in the coming days and some turbulent trading leading up to Election Day next Tuesday," said Michael Brown, senior strategist at Pepperstone. In the short term, the market is likely to remain on edge, balancing between internal and external factors that promise a variety of scenarios. Expectations ahead of the employment report: investors are waiting in anticipation The US Department of Labor's JOLTS survey found that the number of job openings in September was 7.44 million, short of the 8 million forecast, raising concerns about the state of the labor market. Investors are already eagerly awaiting Friday's US employment report for October, which could provide some clarity and influence the Federal Reserve's next steps. World indices: MSCI in the green, STOXX 600 in the red Amid global uncertainty, the MSCI Worldwide Equity Index (.MIWD00000PUS) showed a slight increase of 0.02%, reaching 848.08. However, Europe's STOXX 600 (.STOXX) fell 0.57%, reflecting weak sentiment in European markets. Bond yields and US election: Caution ahead of change US 10-year Treasury yields neared their highest in four months as investors remain cautious about buying debt ahead of an election that could impact the country's fiscal policy. However, a successful auction of seven-year bonds saw yields ease slightly to 4.272%. Japanese yen stabilises after three-month low The yen, which lost ground on Monday, found support amid political instability, with the defeat of Japan's coalition government over the weekend raising uncertainty about the country's future fiscal and monetary policies. The dollar ended the day up 0.12 percent at 153.47 yen ahead of a decision by the Bank of Japan, which analysts expect to leave interest rates unchanged at its meeting on Thursday. Political Turbulence in Japan: What's Next for the Liberal Democratic Party With the election over, Japan is entering a difficult phase of coalition-building. The loss of the majority in the Diet by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party and its ally Komeito is creating uncertainty for the country's budget plans and complicating the Bank of Japan's efforts to normalize rates. The political shake-up in the Japanese government could lead to increased fiscal spending, potentially putting pressure on the country's financial stability and jeopardizing the current monetary policy stance. Opposition Leader Seeks Monetary Stability The head of the Democratic Party for the People, Japan's main opposition force, said on Tuesday that the Bank of Japan should refrain from making any drastic changes to its current ultra-loose monetary policy. As long as real wages remain stable, he said, maintaining current financial market conditions is important for economic stability. Currency Market: Dollar and Euro Little Changed On the currency market, the dollar index, which measures the dollar against a basket of other currencies, added 0.01% to 104.27. The euro, meanwhile, lost 0.03% to settle at $1.0815. These fluctuations highlight investors' cautious sentiments amid global uncertainty. Oil Prices: Weak Recovery from Crash Oil futures ended the day slightly lower after a significant 6% drop in the previous session. While geopolitical factors continue to weigh, Axios reporter Barak Ravid reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning a meeting to seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Lebanon. The news has brought some stabilization to commodity markets. Brent crude fell 30 cents, or 0.4%, to $71.12 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell 17 cents, or 0.3%, to $67.21 a barrel. Online Advertising Drives Market Caps: Alphabet and Snap Lead Gains On Tuesday, online advertising stocks enjoyed a particularly strong evening. Upbeat quarterly results from giants Alphabet (GOOGL.O), Reddit (RDDT.N) and Snap (SNAP.N) boosted investor confidence, adding more than $100 billion to their combined market value. With Amazon (AMZN.O) and Meta Platforms (banned in Russia) set to report, the market remains keen on tech and advertising stocks. Alphabet Gains Strength as Cloud, Advertising Take Center Stage Alphabet shares soared 4% in after-hours trading after reporting earnings that beat analysts' estimates. The company's robust growth in digital advertising and a surge in demand for cloud services linked to artificial intelligence technologies played a key role in the company's success, bolstering investor confidence that Alphabet will continue to lead the tech sector. Snap Rebounds with Positive Results and User Growth Online advertising niche Snap (SNAP.N) also posted strong results, beating revenue and active user estimates. The company's shares jumped 7% on the news, despite facing stiff competition from TikTok and other major platforms. Snap has had a tough year, however, with its shares down more than 30% since the start of 2024, and only a strong quarter has helped restore some of its investor confidence. Reddit is gaining ground in the ad space: AI-powered content licensing impact Reddit (RDDT.N) is also not far behind, with shares up 20% in extended trading after an upbeat quarterly revenue outlook. This is due to successful AI-powered content licensing deals, which have attracted new ad deals to the platform. Since Reddit went public on Wall Street in March, the company has been gradually increasing its influence, which is now starting to pay off financially. More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnevelyn Posted Thursday at 08:09 AM Share Posted Thursday at 08:09 AM If you looking for vape then must try Smokey Cloudz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KostiaForexMart Posted Thursday at 08:02 PM Share Posted Thursday at 08:02 PM AI Breaks and Breaks: Amazon Spends, Microsoft Gains, Nasdaq Slips U.S. Indexes Close Lower: 'Chip' Fever and Earnings Expectations The American stock market ended Wednesday with a decline, as chipmakers slipped and investors paused, awaiting corporate earnings. Microsoft: Beating the Estimates After the market closed, Microsoft and Meta Platforms (banned in Russia) reported earnings that exceeded revenue forecasts. These positive results drew attention to upcoming reports from other tech giants, reinforcing confidence in the "heavyweights" of the tech market. Alphabet: 'Magnificent Seven' Reports Offer a Bright Spot Among the largest players in the top "Magnificent Seven," Alphabet also showed impressive results. Its 2.8% growth on Tuesday after beating third-quarter revenue and earnings expectations gave the market a small boost, helping to offset the negative impact from the decline in chipmaker stocks. Chipmakers Under Pressure: AMD and Qorvo Slump Shares of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Qorvo faced significant pressure. Grim forecasts triggered drops of 10.6% and 27.3% in their stock prices, respectively. Heavy Losses for Super Micro and Nvidia Super Micro Computer dropped 32.6% after Ernst & Young stepped down as the company's auditor. Nvidia also ended in the red, with a 1.4% drop. Tech Sector Hit Hard The information technology sector saw the biggest drop among S&P 500 sectors, down 1.34%, while the communication services sector showed slight growth due to Alphabet's success. Market Optimism Fades According to Michael James, managing director of equity trading at Wedbush Securities, the volatility in Qorvo, Advanced Micro, and Super Micro stocks is raising questions and "dulling the rosy picture" set by Alphabet's impressive report. Focus Turns to Earnings and Forecasts "There will be a laser focus on earnings and company guidance reports," added James, highlighting the intense anticipation among investors. Small Losses but Significant Expectations Wednesday ended with small declines across major indexes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 91.51 points (0.22%) to settle at 42,141.54. The S&P 500 also slipped, down by 19.25 points (0.33%) to 5,813.67, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded the largest drop, losing 104.82 points (0.56%) to close at 18,607.93. U.S. Economy Grows but Below Expectations According to preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, GDP grew by 2.8% annually in the third quarter, slightly below the forecasted 3.0% growth rate. This minor gap between actual and expected results raised some concerns in the market, although the overall growth trend remains positive. Private Sector Exceeds Job Growth Expectations In other positive news, the private sector saw stronger-than-expected job growth. October added 233,000 new jobs, above forecasts, signaling steady recovery in the labor market and giving investors a reason for optimism, reinforcing expectations of consumer activity and economic strength. Political Tensions: Harris and Trump Run Neck-and-Neck With the upcoming presidential election on November 5, the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is a hot topic among market participants. According to the latest polls, the candidates are running neck and neck. Investors are keeping a close eye on the election's potential impact on economic policy and the market. Disappointing Corporate Reports: Eli Lilly and Starbucks Eli Lilly disappointed investors, dropping 6.2% after falling short of sales forecasts for its popular weight loss and diabetes medications. Analysts expected better results, leading to a decline in the pharma giant's stock. Starbucks reported a decline in quarterly sales, with a decrease in global demand impacting the company's profits. Investors closely monitoring the cafe chain received confirmation that global economic challenges have affected even the largest brands. NYSE Remains Positive Despite Declines Despite the overall market downturn, the New York Stock Exchange showed a positive balance: for each stock that declined, another rose. A total of 210 new highs and 52 new lows were recorded, indicating a mixed sentiment, with many investors remaining optimistic. New Highs and Lows: S&P 500 and Nasdaq Show Divergent Movement The S&P 500 recorded 24 new 52-week highs and five new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite saw 126 new highs and 98 new lows. This divergence in performance illustrates mixed investor sentiment, with investors balancing between growth expectations and concerns for the tech sector. Amazon Up Next: Markets Brace for Earnings Report Amazon is expected to release its financial results on Thursday, and the forecasts suggest trends similar to recent reports from other tech giants. Investors worry that aggressive investments in AI and infrastructure could impact the company's high margins, potentially reducing interest in its stock. Tech Sector Under Pressure: AI Comes at a High Cost Shares of major tech giants continued to decline in aftermarket trading on Wednesday. A key challenge these companies face is balancing ambitious AI initiatives with the need to demonstrate short-term returns. "Investing in AI is costly. Building capacity is expensive," commented GlobalData analyst Beatriz Valle. Capacity Competition: Capital Expenditures on the Rise Tech corporations are in a race to build AI infrastructure, but widespread adoption of the technology will take time. According to Visible Alpha, Microsoft's quarterly capital expenditures now exceed its annual spending level before 2020. Meta has also significantly increased its spending, with quarterly investments now comparable to its annual costs before 2017. Microsoft: AI Spending Increases and Potential Azure Slowdown Microsoft reported a 5.3% increase in capital spending to $20 billion in the first fiscal quarter and confirmed further increases in AI investment in the coming quarter. However, the company warned that growth in its Azure cloud business may slow due to limited data center capacity. This statement added to investors' concerns. These investments will undoubtedly help tech giants strengthen their positions in the AI market in the long term, but for now, the question of profitability and margin growth remains open. Investments and Their Impact: Microsoft Slows Margins for Future Gains Head of technology research at D.A. Davidson, Gil Luria, points out, "Investors sometimes overlook that each time Microsoft makes major investments, it dampens the company's margin by a full percentage point, which can drag on for the next six years." According to Luria, the current capital expenditures could slow Microsoft's margin metrics, creating a temporary barrier to profitability. Chipmakers Struggling to Meet Demand: AI Growth Drives Shortages Chip manufacturers like Nvidia face challenges in meeting the growing demand for AI components. Advanced Micro Devices, which reported earnings earlier this week, emphasized that AI chip demand is surging faster than production capacity. The company warned that AI chip supply will likely remain limited into next year, leaving some orders unfulfilled. AI Investments Echo the Early Days of Cloud Technology These substantial investments by tech giants hark back to the times when companies actively invested in cloud technology, waiting for customers to adopt and adapt to the new technology. High-Stakes Bet on AI Infrastructure "We're on the verge of significant opportunities, even if building infrastructure may raise questions for investors in the short term," said Meta (banned in Russia) CEO Mark Zuckerberg, commenting on the company's current spending. He stressed that the company plans to continue making substantial investments in AI infrastructure, preparing for future demand and long-term results. More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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KostiaForexMart Posted 18 hours ago Share Posted 18 hours ago Microsoft's Big AI Spend Weakens Wall Street, Nasdaq Dow U.S. Indices Close in the Red: AI Costs Hit Market Optimism All three major U.S. stock indices ended Thursday's trading session in negative territory after reports from Microsoft and Meta Platforms (banned in Russia) highlighted rising AI-related expenses that could impact future profits, dampening enthusiasm for the mega-cap companies that had driven this year's rally. Microsoft: Record Profits Couldn't Prevent Stock Drop Despite Meta Platforms (banned in Russia) and Microsoft (MSFT.O) surpassing profit expectations, their stocks fell significantly, with Meta dropping by 4.1% and Microsoft by 6%. This decline followed reports indicating rising AI costs, which investors perceived cautiously, seeing the potential for these costs to reduce profit margins. The "Magnificent Seven" Lose Ground Among other tech giants in the so-called "Magnificent Seven," both Amazon.com (AMZN.O) and Apple (AAPL.O) released their quarterly results. Amazon exceeded revenue forecasts, driven by strong growth in its cloud division, while Apple pleased investors with higher-than-expected iPhone sales and met expectations in both revenue and profit. Amazon Up, Apple Down: Market Reacts to Earnings Reports As a result, Amazon.com shares rose by 4.5% after market close due to solid quarterly results that exceeded Wall Street's estimates. Apple shares, however, slipped by 2% despite its positive report, remaining aligned with investor forecasts. During the regular trading session, Amazon saw a decline of 3.3%, while Apple's shares fell by 1.8%. Alphabet Also Ends Lower Alphabet (GOOGL.O), which reported earlier on Tuesday, also faced pressure, with its shares dropping by 1.9%. Investors Wary: Unlimited AI Budgets Raise Questions "The 'Magnificent Seven' are clearly hinting that their AI-related budgets remain open-ended, and this isn't a comforting message for investors," said Carol Schleif, Chief Investment Officer at BMO Family Office. "While long-term benefits for the U.S. economy could be substantial, the short-term question remains: where is the immediate profit from these investments?" Microsoft Points to Rising Capital Expenditures Microsoft confirmed that increasing capital expenditures are linked to its expansion of AI investments, potentially affecting its profit margin, causing uncertainty among shareholders. Market Downturn: Major Indices Lose Ground The market reacted with declines across all major indices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) closed down by 378.08 points, or 0.90%, at 41,763.46. The S&P 500 (.SPX) dropped by 108.22 points, or 1.86%, to 5,705.45, while the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) lost 512.78 points, or 2.76%, ending the trading day at 18,095.15. Monthly Losses: Market Ends Extended Growth Streak Amid September's fluctuations, the S&P 500 lost 0.99% for the month, Nasdaq fell by 0.52%, and the Dow ended with a 1.34% loss, marking the end of a five-month growth streak for the Dow and S&P. Inflation Continues to Rise: Consumer Spending Exceeds Expectations According to the latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, a key inflation indicator closely watched by the Federal Reserve, prices rose by 0.2% in September, aligning with analyst forecasts. However, the annual core inflation rate reached 2.7%, slightly above the 2.6% forecast, while consumer spending also exceeded expectations, adding further uncertainty regarding the central bank's future actions. Intel Faces Restructuring Costs and Write-Downs Intel (INTC.O) presented its earnings report post-market close, which showed the impact of restructuring costs and asset write-downs. Despite optimization efforts, the company's financial results fell short of expectations, leading to a restrained reaction from investors. Market Under Pressure: NYSE Decliners Outnumber Advancers On the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the number of declining stocks outpaced gainers by more than two and a half times, at a ratio of 2.66 to 1. During the trading day, the S&P 500 recorded 24 new 52-week highs and nine new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite registered 59 new highs and 159 new lows, reflecting the general negative market sentiment. U.S. Consumer Spending Rises, Economy Strengthens Thursday morning data indicated that U.S. consumer spending in September exceeded expectations, providing a positive signal for the economy, directing it toward a stronger growth trajectory in the year's final quarter. This increase in spending could bolster confidence in economic resilience. Labor Costs Slow Growth Another report showed that the Employment Cost Index (ECI), the broadest measure of labor costs, rose by 0.8% in the third quarter. This growth marked the slowest pace since mid-2021, lower than the previous quarter's 0.9% figure, indicating a potential easing in wage inflation. Dollar Weakens as Yen and Euro Strengthen on Economic News The dollar came under pressure against the yen after the Bank of Japan took a slightly more hawkish stance than anticipated, while the euro gained ground following data indicating faster-than-expected inflation in the eurozone in October. This factor supported arguments for a cautious approach to potential rate cuts by the European Central Bank, adding additional strength to the euro. Dollar Index Declines, Yen and Euro Gain Ground The dollar index, which measures the dollar's value against a basket of six major currencies, fell by 0.2% to 103.88, while the euro edged up by 0.04% against the dollar to $1.0859. Meanwhile, the dollar weakened 0.8% against the Japanese yen, reaching 152.18 yen. These currency fluctuations come amid expectations for the upcoming Fed meeting. Rate Cut Anticipation: Markets Almost Certain The market is nearly convinced that the Fed will implement a 25-basis point rate cut during its November 6-7 meeting. However, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool, there is only a 70% chance of an additional cut in December, reflecting investor caution. Eyes on Employment Report and Presidential Race Traders and investors are focused on key events in the coming days, with October's U.S. employment report due on Friday and the presidential election set for Tuesday. Polls indicate a close race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris, adding uncertainty on the political front. Global Indices Fall, Bond Yields Rise The global MSCI Index (.MIWD00000PUS) closed down by 12.64 points, or 1.50%, at 832.30, and saw a 2.3% decline in October, ending a five-month winning streak. The European STOXX 600 index also ended the day in the red, down 1.2%. Yields on U.S. Treasury bonds rose following the release of economic data. The 10-year bond yield increased by 1.8 basis points to 4.282%, nearing Tuesday's four-month high of 4.339%. Cryptocurrency Market Under Pressure: Bitcoin Loses Ground On the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, fell by 3.2%, reaching $70,458. This level is about 4% below its all-time high from March, signaling short-term fluctuations amid market volatility. Gold Retraces After Record High, Monthly Gains Remain Strong Gold retreated slightly after hitting a new all-time high, though it wrapped up a fourth consecutive month of gains, supported by demand for safe-haven assets. Spot gold dropped by 1.6% to $2,740.45 per ounce, after reaching a peak of $2,790.15 earlier in the session. Gold prices saw a 4% increase over the month, underscoring its appeal during times of instability. Oil Prices Surge Amid Middle East Tensions Oil prices continued their upward movement in response to reports suggesting that Iran is preparing to launch an attack on Israel from Iraq within days. WTI crude futures surged by $1.81, reaching $70.42 by 3:00 PM ET. Brent crude futures for January delivery also rose by $1.82, hitting $73.98. U.S. crude climbed by 1.33%, settling at $69.52 per barrel, while Brent rose by 0.94%, ending at $73.23 per barrel. This increase highlights the oil market's sensitivity to geopolitical risks and confirms its reaction to potential escalations in a region that remains a crucial energy supplier. More analytics on our website: bit.ly/3VobLUv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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