The US100 broke through a major resistance level, rising to the highest level since January 2022. The instrument rose by 1.20% on Monday forming its fourth consecutive bullish candlestick on a weekly chart. The technology sector in particular witnessed a surge in demand due to its exposure to “growth stocks” which are benefiting from the end to the hiking cycle. In addition to this, the US100 is already pricing in a rate cut as early as March.
The 10 top stocks holding the highest “weight” within the index all rose in value on Monday and from the top 20 stocks only PepsiCo saw a slight decline (-0.14%). From the US100’s components 90% of the stocks ended the day higher. NVIDIA was the best-performing component, rising 2.26% as investors await the release of the third quarter earnings report scheduled for this evening. Analysts expect NVIDIA’s earnings per share to rise 20% compared to the previous quarter. Additionally, the company quarterly revenue is believed to have risen 16%. During this morning’s pre-market hours, the stocks have risen a further 0.30%.
The 10-year bond yields are trading 0.027% lower during this morning’s Asian session and the US Dollar Index is down 0.15%. Both bond yields and the weaker Dollar could potentially prompt investors to increase exposure in the stock market. However, traders should keep in mind investors may look to buy at the discounted price. This could potentially pressure the NASDAQ in the short-term.
Nonetheless, a key influential factor will be tonight’s Federal Reserve Meeting Minutes. The event is still likely to trigger volatility regardless of the fact that the Meeting Minutes is a “lagging” indicator. If the market senses a tone of dovishness or caution, traders will deem the meeting as indicating a potential cut. This is because inflation has declined by 0.5% since the meeting. Indication of a rate cut in the first quarter of 2024 could indicate the continuation of the bullish trend.
A concern for investors was the mini-crisis related to Sam Altman’s sacking as CEO of OpenAI on November 17th. However, Microsoft seems to be emerging as the victor as Mr Altman potentially may join as a Chief Executive of the new research lab. Microsoft stocks, which hold more than 10% of the NASDAQ, rose by 2.05% on Monday and a further 0.28% in pre-market open hours.
GBPUSD
The Bank of England’s Governor yesterday evening advised markets that the regulator may again consider another interest rate hike. According to Bloomberg, almost all analysts are not taking the comment seriously, but see it as an indication that a rate cut in the UK may be further away than originally thought.
The Cable rose by 0.43% on Monday and is trading 0.30% higher during this morning’s Asian session. Early this afternoon the Governor of the Bank of England will again speak, but this time testifying in parliament. Investors will be closely scrutinizing comments looking for confirmation of yesterday’s point of view. The US Dollar Index is again declining this morning; however, investors will also be monitoring the Dollar’s reaction after this evening’s meeting minutes. The Pound on the other hand is experiencing “mixed” price movement against other currencies.
Gold
The price of Gold ended the day slightly lower on Monday but saw a surge in buyers towards the end of the day’s sessions. This morning the price of Gold has risen a whopping 0.81% but has risen to a previous resistance level and price range. Therefore, investors will be monitoring if the asset forms a breakout and continues its bullish trend or if the asset moves into a strong price range which remains intact in the medium term.
According to the report of the US CFTC, last week the number of net speculative positions dropped to 155.4 thousand from 166.2 thousand a week earlier. Sellers are actively exiting the asset. Last week, buyers increased the number of contracts by 2.338 thousand, while the sellers closed 6.150 thousand contracts. This is signaling an increase in the upward dynamics but traders question whether Gold can maintain its momentum above $2,000.
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Michalis Eftymiou
Market Analyst
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