[Chart courtesy of MarketWatch.com] The markets showed little activity early on, with the S&P 500 trading near its highs and eventually closing at a new all-time high. Some tech stocks, including Intel, Nvidia, and Microsoft, posted gains, with Intel leading the pack and achieving its largest two-week increase on record. Meanwhile, Meta’s 20-day win streak came to an end, causing …
Equities Climb As Traders Bet On Softer PCE Amid Trade Tensions
[Chart courtesy of MarketWatch.com] Following yesterday’s hotter-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, today’s Producer Price Index (PPI) numbers also exceeded expectations. The January PPI showed a 0.4% increase, surpassing the consensus of 0.3%. The core PPI, which excludes food and energy, rose by 0.3%, aligning with estimates. Despite these increases, traders pushed equities higher, reasoning that these latest figures suggest …
Fed’s Stance On Inflation Confirmed As CPI Surpasses Expectations
[Chart courtesy of MarketWatch.com] The much-anticipated Consumer Price Index (CPI) report confirmed to me that the Federal Reserve’s decision to delay rate cuts was an acknowledgment that inflation remains a persistent issue. In January, the CPI rose by 0.5% for the month, pushing the annual inflation rate to 3%, surpassing expectations of 0.3% and 2.9%, respectively. The core CPI, which …
Gold Hits Record High, Markets Brace For Inflation Reports
[Chart courtesy of MarketWatch.com] This morning, equities went through a moderate retreat as traders absorbed comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Powell. He stated that “interest rates do not need to move quickly to ease monetary policy,” explaining that the Fed’s policy is now significantly less restrictive, reducing the urgency for adjustments. Powell also described the economy as “strong overall” with …
Traders Eye Key Economic Data As Major Indexes Reverse Course And Gold Shines
[Chart courtesy of MarketWatch.com] After ending last week on a negative note, the major indexes reversed course this morning, with the Nasdaq leading a broad rally while the Dow lagged. Despite this positive start, traders remain uncertain about inflation and the potential economic impact of Trump’s newly announced blanket 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, which took effect …
Markets Defy Expectations: S&P 500 And Nasdaq Close Green Amid Volatility
[Chart courtesy of MarketWatch.com] The financial markets showed a mixed performance as major indexes struggled to find direction following two consecutive positive sessions. Traders carefully evaluated the latest earnings reports, leading to a period of volatility and heightened anxiety. Despite bearish pressure, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq managed to close in positive territory, defying expectations set by the advance/decline ratio. …