The performance of major stock indexes today showcases a slight incline, with the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) up by +0.08%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) showing a +0.04% increase, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) recording a +0.08% rise.
Today’s trading session witnessed stocks receiving a much-needed boost from the Q4 GDP report, which saw a revision upwards, coupled with a decrease in the core PCE price deflator. This bodes well for the economy, nurturing hopes of a soft landing.
Market Insights
Bond markets experienced a surge in yields following hawkish remarks by Fed Governor Waller, who expressed dissatisfaction with recent inflation figures and signaled a reluctance to cut interest rates without observing a sustained improvement in inflation data. This sentiment impacted stock gains, although bond yields remained elevated post the release of strong economic indicators today.
As the first quarter reaches its conclusion, end-of-quarter rebalancing activities by stock fund managers, alongside favorable economic reports, lent sturdy support to stock prices. Furthermore, the rally in European stocks, with the Euro Stoxx 50 scaling a 23-year peak, fueled positive sentiment in the US market.
The unexpected drop in US weekly initial unemployment claims to 210,000 is a testament to a robust labor market, surpassing predictions and underlining the economic resilience.
Economic Indicators
The revised Q4 GDP figure of +3.4% (q/q annualized) exceeded expectations, signaling a stronger economic performance, with personal consumption also revised upwards to 3.3%. Meanwhile, the core PCE price index was tempered to +2.0% (q/q annualized), slightly below expectations.
Despite these positive revisions, the US Mar MNI Chicago PMI unexpectedly fell to a 10-month low of 41.4, indicating a slight dampening in economic activity.
Global Market Overview
Overseas stock markets portrayed a mixed picture, with the Euro Stoxx 50 hitting a 23-year high and recording a +0.15% increase. China’s Shanghai Composite rebounded positively by +0.59%, while Japan’s Nikkei Stock Index faced a setback, closing down by -1.46%.
Interest Rates
June 10-year T-notes (ZNM24) witnessed a slight dip by -4 ticks, as the 10-year T-note yield edged up by +1.8 bp to reach 4.228%. Factors contributing to this movement included Waller’s cautious stance on rate cuts, the unexpected decline in jobless claims, and the upward revision of Q4 GDP figures. However, T-notes saw a modest recovery following the disappointing Mar MNI Chicago PMI report.
European government bond yields saw an upward trajectory, with the 10-year German bund yield increasing by +2.4 bp to 2.316%, and the 10-year UK gilt yield up by +1.8 bp at 3.950%.
In the Eurozone, the Feb M3 money supply surged by +0.4% y/y, showcasing strong growth, while German Feb retail sales unexpectedly fell, raising concerns. However, a resilient labor market was indicated by a smaller-than-expected increase in German Mar unemployment.
ECB Governing Council member Panetta’s assertion of decreased risks to price stability and favorable conditions for monetary easing provided a nuanced view of the economic landscape.
US Stock Movements
Several stocks displayed significant movements, with Estee Lauder (EL) leading the gainers in the S&P 500, receiving an upgrade from Bank of America. RH (RH) and Snowflake (SNOW) also saw positive movements attributed to optimistic forecasts and insider buying activity. Meanwhile, Dentsply Sirona (XRAY) witnessed a decline after being replaced in the S&P 500 index by GE Vernova.
Apple (AAPL) faced a minor setback after a downgrade, while Meta Platforms (META) experienced a slight decline following insider selling. Chemours (CC) and MillerKnoll (MLKN) reported drops after projecting lower sales figures, emphasizing potential challenges ahead.
The varied movements in the stock market highlight the dynamic nature of today’s trading, influenced by a myriad of external factors and company-specific news.
Earnings Reports
Key earnings reports for the day include MSC Industrial Direct Inc (MSM) and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (WBA), hinting at underlying trends in various sectors and providing insights into corporate performance.
Amidst the shifting market landscape, cautious optimism remains prevalent as investors navigate through a complex web of economic data and corporate developments.
For individuals like Rich Asplund, keeping abreast of these market dynamics presents both challenges and opportunities, offering a nuanced view of the ever-evolving financial landscape.
