- The NASDAQ and SNP500 increase to new all-time highs despite economic and employment data reading lower than expectations.
- The FOMC continues the previous verbal trend set by the Chairman, Jerome Powell, advising inflation needs to decline further.
- The Chicago Exchange Fed Tool confirms a 67% chance of an interest rate cut in September. Previously, there was a 59% possibility.
- Gold quickly increases as an interest rate cut looks more likely for September.
USA100 – Bad News is Good News for the NASDAQ!
This week, the NASDAQ is the second best-performing index behind the NIKKEI225. The NASDAQ is now trading at its highest price ever and has added more than 23% in 2024. The price is being driven by investors’ belief that the Federal Reserve will almost certainly cut interest rates in September. As a result, the stock has become more attractive and consumer demand potentially can improve.
This week so far, the FOMC Meeting Minutes and the chairman of the Federal Reserve have indicated that inflation is on the right path. However, the Federal Reserve will need inflation to continue to decline between now and September’s Rate decision. Even with just a 0.1% monthly decline, which would reduce inflation to 3.00%, market pricing indicates that the Federal Reserve will still alter its policy!
The latest data also supports the possibility of frailty within the US economy and growth. The ISM Services PMI fell to its lowest in 2024, the weekly unemployment claims again read higher and the ADP Employment Change fell short. However, the JOLTS Job Openings beat expectations. Therefore, the data pressures the Fed that the economy will soon need support, but simultaneously does not cause panic amongst investors. At the moment, bad news continues to be good news for the stock market. However, the question is if this will continue when tomorrow’s NFP data is released.
Many believe the trend will continue regarding “bad news is good news”. However, most also believe that the ideal release would be slightly poorer than expectations. Analysts currently believe the Unemployment Rate will remain at 4.00%, the NFP to add 194,000 new individuals and for salaries to rise 0.3%. Volatility throughout today may be muted due to the US bank holiday, however, volatility potentially can quickly rise as Asian Market’s reopen tomorrow morning!
A positive factor for the NASDAQ continues to be the upcoming earnings data, but also hopes that tensions in the Middle East may subside. Reports confirm that Israel and Hamas may be close to an agreement which will stop the current war, even if only temporarily. If an agreement is reached, the news will be deemed as positive for the stock market and can reduce oil prices. Oil prices this morning have so far fallen 0.35%!
XAUUSD – Gold Benefits From Rate Cute Bets!
Gold’s price rose as the US Dollar became less attractive to investors due to potential lower interest rates in September. The Chicago Exchange Fed Tool confirms a 67% chance of an interest rate cut in September. Previously, there was a 59% possibility, hence a considerable rise which can support Gold. If the possibility continues to rise, investors may increase exposure to Gold. The price of Gold rose 1.15% on Wednesday.
If the employment data is weaker than what analysts are currently expecting, investors potentially may turn to Gold as an alternative. This is due to the commodity’s safe haven nature and its use as a hedge. For example, if the US Unemployment Rate rises to 4.1% and the NFP data reads 180,000, demand for Gold can quickly increase!
Currently the price of Gold is trading lower during this morning’s session, but has not yet formed a lower low. If the price drops to a lower low, the trend indicates a larger retracement or a full correction back to $2,338.65. The smaller timeframes currently point to this scenario, but this will change if the price increases above $2,362.44.
Michalis Efthymiou
Market Analyst
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