Daily Market Analysis from ForexMart

Hot forecast for EUR/USD on August 19, 2024

The EUR/USD pair ended the past week with a relatively rapid rise. This movement again indicates strong enthusiasm among traders for long positions in the euro.

In the 4-hour chart, the RSI technical indicator is moving in the upper range of 50/70, which suggests an increase in long positions.

Regarding the Alligator indicator in the same time frame, the moving average lines point upwards.

Expectations and Prospects
Stabilization of the price above 1.1050 is necessary to strengthen the current uptrend. In this scenario, moving to the local high of 2023 is possible. Otherwise, the movement within the 1.0950/1.1050 range will likely continue for some time.

The complex indicator analysis suggests an uptrend cycle in the short-term and intraday periods.
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Gold breaks records

The price of gold continued its growth on Tuesday, reaching a new record amid expectations of monetary easing by the world's leading central banks and increased demand for safe assets amid geopolitical tensions.

Gold futures on the Comex exchange rose 0.3% in August, reaching $2,563.6 per ounce. Since the beginning of the year, the price of precious metals has increased by 21.5%.

Signals of a decrease in inflation in the United States, along with a deterioration in the labor market, have increased expectations that the US Federal Reserve will soon begin to lower interest rates. Currently, the market forecasts a rate cut of 100 basis points by the end of the year. Three meetings of the American Central Bank are scheduled in 2024, and it is likely that at one of them the rate will be increased by 50 basis points instead of the standard 25 bp.

The slowdown in inflation is also observed in other large economies. For example, the central bank of Sweden on Tuesday lowered its key interest rate by 25 bps to 3.5% per annum. The regulator noted that the growth rate of consumer prices continues to slow down, approaching the target 2%. The Central Bank's management plans to cut the rate two or three times by the end of the year if the current inflation dynamics persists.
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Stocks Slow as Investors Brace for Big Fed, U.S. Labor News

Asian Stocks Fall on U.S. Data Expectations

Asian stocks fell on Wednesday, halting a strong rally in global stocks as they waited for important U.S. economic data. Bond yields and the dollar fell on expectations of interest rate cuts ahead of policymakers.

S&P 500 Ends Gain

The S&P 500 (.SPX), which had been on track for eight straight sessions of gains, was down 0.2% overnight. MSCI's broad index of Asia-Pacific shares excluding Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) also lost 0.5%. Meanwhile, U.S. and European index futures showed modest gains, up around 0.2%.

Hang Seng and JD.com under pressure

Hong Kong's Hang Seng (.HSI) fell 1%, helped by a sharp 10% drop in JD.com (9618.HK) shares after its largest shareholder, Walmart, decided to sell a significant portion of its stake.

Japan's Nikkei struggles with resistance

Japan's Nikkei (.N225) fell 1% at the open, hitting resistance at 38,000 after recently rebounding from its early August decline. However, the index had partially recovered by midday, paring its losses to 0.3%.

Experts predict possible changes

The recent sell-off in stocks has bottomed out, with recession fears replaced by hopes for a softer slowdown, according to Bank of Singapore analyst Mo Siong Sim. However, he notes that markets need confirmation before they can stabilize, and that confirmation should come from new data.

US data on the horizon

Investors will continue to focus on preliminary US employment data due out later on Wednesday. The data is expected to be revised downwards, which could put pressure on interest rates. The Federal Reserve minutes are also expected to be released, which analysts believe will confirm the regulator's appetite for easing.

Index expectations and their impact on global markets

Investors will be closely watching the publication of both US and global purchasing managers' indices on Thursday. These data promise to have a significant impact on markets, shaping future expectations for economic growth and monetary policy.

Dollar Loses Ground as Gold and Yen Rise

The dollar's weakness has served as a catalyst for a sharp rise in gold prices, which have reached new records. Against this backdrop, the Japanese yen has strengthened to 145.67 per dollar, up 1.6% on the week and an 11% rebound from its 38-year low last month.

The Euro and Rate Cut Prospects

The euro has been on a strong run, up nearly 3% since early August. At $1.1132 in Asian trading, the euro hit its highest since December last year, indicating an attempt to break key chart levels.

Interest rate futures point to a strong chance of the Federal Reserve cutting its benchmark rate by 25 basis points next month, with a one-third chance of a 50 basis point cut. Investors are pricing in a rate cut of nearly 100 basis points this year and expecting a similar cut next year.

Dollar under pressure: further weakness likely

Rabobank strategist Jane Foley says the dollar's recent weakness is likely due to rising expectations for easing from the Federal Reserve. However, she warns that these hopes may be overdone, with the risk of a short-term decline in EUR/USD below $1.10.

A look ahead to upcoming speeches and regional currencies

Investors are also looking ahead to Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium on Friday, which could provide further clues as to where the Fed is headed. Meanwhile, the Australian and New Zealand dollars have shown solid gains, reaching $0.6747 and $0.6157 respectively, reflecting their positive momentum amid global economic developments.

US Bonds and Commodities: Strong Positions

Equity markets continued to be supported by bonds, with the US 10-year Treasury yield falling to 3.81% and the two-year yield holding steady at 3.99%. These figures suggest cautious optimism among investors awaiting economic data.

Commodities Resilience and China's Response

Commodities prices stabilised. Brent crude futures settled at $77.12 a barrel, indicating a recovery from recent wobbles. Iron ore in the Dalian market also hit a local bottom, helped by reports that China plans to allow local governments to buy unsold homes. The move is aimed at supporting the housing market, an important signal for the global steel market, where China plays a key role.

Impact of Chinese construction on global markets

Steel markets are sensitive to any developments in the construction industry in China, the world's largest consumer of the metal. Following the news from China, shares of major miners such as BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals were stable in Australian markets, reflecting investor confidence in a recovery in demand.

Gold holds close to records

Gold prices remain close to the record highs set on Tuesday, hovering around $2,516 an ounce. The precious metal remains an attractive asset for investors amid global economic uncertainty.

Asia's central banks: decisions awaited

In emerging markets, attention is focused on central bank meetings in Thailand and Indonesia on Wednesday. Although neither country is expected to cut rates before the US Federal Reserve, their decisions could have an impact on regional markets.

Chinese Stocks Under Pressure After Walmart News

The yen continued to strengthen, reaching 145.5 per dollar, which, along with weak sentiment in Japanese stock markets, put pressure on stocks. At the same time, news that Walmart plans to sell its stake in JD.com sent shares of the Chinese online retailer sharply lower in Hong Kong, despite the company's recent upbeat earnings report.

Obama Back on the Frontlines: Endorsing Kamala Harris

Former US President Barack Obama returned to the national political stage on Tuesday evening to throw his support behind Kamala Harris in her tight presidential race against Republican Donald Trump. The move underscores the importance of the election and Obama's determination to ensure a Democratic victory.

Awaiting Data: The Importance of Fed Minutes

Investors are eagerly awaiting the release of Federal Reserve minutes and revisions to US labor market data on Wednesday. According to Goldman Sachs, the number of revised payrolls could fall by 600,000 to 1 million, which could create a false impression of weakness in the labor market. This data will be key to further analysis of the economic situation in the country.

Labor market under close scrutiny

Of particular importance is the upcoming US labor report, which will be released on September 6. It will be closely watched, since the situation in the labor market is now the main focus of economic policy, against the backdrop of falling inflation. It is this report that will be decisive in determining the further actions of the Fed and their impact on financial markets.

Rate markets are pricing in a decline: the dollar is under pressure

Interest rate futures are fully priced in the Fed's 25 basis point rate cut in September, with about a 30% chance of a deeper cut of 50 basis points. These expectations are putting pressure on the dollar, which is showing weakness in almost all areas.

Gold and the Euro: New Horizons

Gold continues to set records, surpassing $2,500 an ounce, reflecting its status as a safe haven in uncertain times. Meanwhile, the euro has reached $1.11, unfamiliar territory for the currency and a sign of new trends in the currency markets.

Risks on the Horizon: The Importance of Powell's Speech

However, not all analysts share the market's optimism. There is a risk that the labor market data could be stronger than expected, or that Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, speaking in Jackson Hole on Friday, will not show enough flexibility in his rhetoric. These factors could significantly change the mood in financial markets and force investors to revise their expectations.

Fear and Greed Index: From Panic to Stability

The CNN Fear and Greed Index, which measures sentiment in the stock, options and credit markets, has risen from extreme anxiety to neutral in a short period of time. This recovery suggests that investors are slowly starting to calm down after the recent turmoil.

Investors on Hold: Confirmation of the Favorable Outlook

Despite the improved sentiment, market participants remain cautious and await new economic data that may confirm or refute current forecasts. Investors are seeking clarity before diving back into risky assets, preferring to first make sure that positive trends are sustainable.

This period of waiting and analysis highlights not only the importance of data, but also the instability that still hangs over the markets, requiring caution and sober calculations from financial players.
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Holding their breath: Wall Street awaits Fed decision, other big global events

Investor expectations: Stocks frozen, await Fed decision
Global stock markets paused their gains on Wednesday, stabilizing after a long rally that took them to recent record highs. Investors are awaiting confirmation that the US Federal Reserve will decide to cut interest rates, in line with their expectations.

The minutes of the Fed's July 30-31 meeting show that officials are leaning toward lowering rates at the upcoming September meeting. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is expected to reiterate the central bank's commitment to easing policy at its annual conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Friday. The move comes after the bank successfully quelled the worst surge in inflation in 40 years.

Oil and Gold: Contrasting Trends
Oil prices fell while gold held its high, hovering near the record highs it hit on Tuesday, as the dollar weakened amid expectations of interest rate cuts.

Wall Street and Global Markets: Steady Gains
On Wall Street, the indices showed modest gains, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) up 0.13% to 40,889, the S&P 500 (.SPX) up 0.42% to 5,620, and the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) up 0.57% to 17,918.

The MSCI All Country (.MIWD00000PUS) also showed positive dynamics, adding 0.4% and almost reaching its July record. Since the beginning of the year, it has gained an impressive 13.9%.

European Markets: New Peak on the Horizon
The STOXX (.STOXX) index of 600 leading companies in Europe rose 0.3%, moving closer to its all-time high set on June 7.

Market Volatility: Investor Sentiment Under Pressure
World stocks have been volatile this month, as investors worried about U.S. employment data, which has heightened fears of a possible recession in the world's largest economy.

However, the pessimism has since given way to hopes for a soft landing, which investors see as an opportunity thanks to the expected cut in U.S. interest rates, which could begin as early as September.

Labor Market: Key Factor for the Fed
The U.S. Labor Department reported on Wednesday that job creation was significantly lower than initially expected for the period through March. The news has heightened the Federal Reserve's concerns about the health of the labor market, which in turn affects monetary policy going forward.

"The labor report confirms the futures market's assessment that the Fed is likely to cut rates at its September 18 meeting," Quincy Crosby, chief global strategist at LPL Financial, said in an email.

Futures and Bonds: Rate Cut Expectations
Futures markets have already priced in the likelihood of a 25 basis point rate cut next month, as well as a one-in-three chance of a 50 basis point cut. A 100 basis point cut is expected this year, with another 100 basis points expected next year.

U.S. Treasury yields also fell. The benchmark 10-year note shed 2.3 basis points to 3.795%, down from 3.818% late last night. The yield on two-year bonds, which is more sensitive to interest rate expectations, fell by 6.9 basis points, reaching 3.9305% from 4% late Tuesday.

Waiting for a decision: markets frozen
Thus, global markets continue to wait. Investors are focused on the upcoming Fed meeting in September, where the further course of monetary policy will be decided. Any new data on the state of the US economy could significantly affect this course, and therefore, global financial markets.

No Recession Scenario: The Fed's New Approach
Global markets find themselves in a unique situation where the prospect of a significant rate cut is not accompanied by recession risks. This is in stark contrast to five of the last seven rate-cutting cycles, when lower borrowing costs were accompanied by an economic slowdown, according to Ross Yarrow, managing director of U.S. equities at investment bank Baird.

"If we can get to a point where the Fed cuts rates, inflation comes down, and employment stays high, that would be a very positive outcome," Yarrow said. He added that such an environment could create a positive outlook for equity markets to continue to rally.

Asian Markets: Mixed Performance
Asian markets were less optimistic. The MSCI Asia-Pacific Ex-Japan Index (.MIAPJ0000PUS) fell 0.3%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index (.HSI) fell 0.7%, with JD.com (9618.HK) contributing significantly to the decline, falling 8.7% after Walmart (WMT.N) decided to sell its large stake in the company.

Japan's Nikkei (.N225) also fell 0.3%, pausing its recovery at 38,000, which had become resistance after the August collapse.

FX and Gold: Dollar Under Pressure
The weaker dollar helped gold, which neared record highs, while strengthening the yen, which has returned to 145.135 per dollar from a multi-year low hit last month.

The euro also strengthened, gaining about 3% in August to reach $1.115, its highest since December last year.

Gold and Oil: Mixed Movements
Gold prices continued to hover around $2,510 per ounce, remaining close to the record highs reached on Tuesday. At the same time, oil prices went down again: US crude oil fell by 1.69% to $71.93 per barrel, while Brent fell by 1.49% to $76.05 per barrel.

Looking Ahead: What's Next?
Overall, markets remain awaiting further actions by the Fed and their impact on the global economy. Whether the US economy can avoid a recession amid rate cuts remains an open question, but current investor sentiment is increasingly leaning towards an optimistic scenario.

Retail Sector on the Rise: JD Sports' Success
The retail sector showed strong growth, leading the leaderboard amid a significant increase in JD Sports (JD.L) shares. The UK sportswear retailer rose 5.3% after reporting a strong improvement in core sales in the second quarter, spurring investors.

Energy under pressure as oil prices fall further
The energy sector was among the laggards, falling 0.6% as oil prices fell for a fifth straight session. Investors are concerned about a possible slowdown in global oil demand, putting pressure on companies in the sector.

Key data ahead: PMIs and consumer confidence
Markets are focused on the upcoming flash purchasing managers' index (PMI) data for France, Germany, the UK and the eurozone, due between 07:15 and 08:30 GMT. These figures will help to gauge the current state of the region's economies.

Eurozone consumer confidence data is also due out today at 14:00 GMT. Later in the day, US PMI and initial jobless claims data will be released, which could have a significant impact on the market.

Key Market Moves: Aegon and Deutsche Bank
Among individual stocks, Aegon (AEGN.AS) was a notable loser, falling 4% after the Dutch insurer reported a decline in its key capital generation figure for the first half of the year. This caused concern among investors and led to a sell-off.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) shares rose 2.5% after the bank reached a settlement with more than half of the plaintiffs who had accused it of underpayment. The progress was welcomed by the market, which was reflected in the bank's share price rising.

Looking Ahead: Key Data Expectations
Investors continue to closely monitor upcoming economic data, which could be key indicators for future market developments. Particular attention will be paid to the PMI and consumer confidence indicators, which will provide an indication of the current state of the European economy and may influence sentiment in other regions.
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Fed Prepares for Rate Cut: Dollar Strengthens, Stocks Slip

US Stocks Under Pressure: What's Going On?

US stock markets had a tough Thursday as investors digested new economic data and waited anxiously for further action from the Federal Reserve. Expectations were focused on a possible rate cut, which the regulator could announce as early as Friday.

Tech Sector Slips

The three major US stock indexes ended the day with significant losses. The technology sector was particularly under pressure, which was reflected in the decline of all indices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) lost 0.43%, reaching 40,712 points. The S&P 500 (.SPX) fell 0.89% to 5,570, while the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) fell 1.67% to end the day at 17,619.

Market sentiment: The Fed and the rate outlook

Market sentiment was also complicated by data from the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes released on Wednesday. According to the document, most Fed committee members believe that, subject to the expected data, a September interest rate cut will be a likely step. This statement strengthened market expectations for the regulator's future policy.

Labor market data and economic activity

Thursday also brought fresh statistics on the labor market, which showed an increase in the number of applications for unemployment benefits in the U.S. over the past week. This indicates a gradual slowdown in the labor market. At the same time, there is a decrease in business activity, which may indicate an overall slowdown in economic growth. These signs of easing inflation could give the Fed more leeway to focus on job creation.

Mortgage Rates and the Housing Market Recovery

With the economy slowing, mortgage rates have already begun to decline. This has spurred an unexpectedly strong rebound in existing home sales last month, one of the few positive signs in the current environment.

Experts' Forecasts

According to Steve Englander, market strategist at Standard Chartered Bank, the Fed minutes show that the Fed is close to achieving its inflation target. At the same time, rising unemployment increases the likelihood that the Fed will cut rates by 50 basis points in the near future.

As such, markets are anxiously awaiting the Fed's policy statements on Friday, which could shape the future of the U.S. economy and financial markets.

Expectations of a Victory over Inflation

Standard Chartered Bank's Steve Englander noted in his letter that while the Fed is not yet declaring a complete victory over inflation, it is clearly demonstrating confidence that this moment is near. Such statements heighten investor attention to the Federal Reserve's upcoming moves and their potential impact on markets.

Global Markets: A Sharp Reversal

Global stock markets, which have recently shown impressive gains after volatile swings, are under pressure again. The global stock index (.MIWD00000PUS) fell 0.6%, reflecting growing concerns among investors about the future developments in financial markets.

Europe: Growth Against the Trend

Despite the general nervousness in global markets, European stocks (.STOXX) managed to show positive dynamics, increasing by 0.35%. The leaders of growth were companies from the retail and healthcare sectors, which took advantage of the favorable market situation. Stocks were also supported by data from the euro zone, which showed an unexpectedly strong level of business activity in August.

Asian Markets in the Green

Asian stock markets also showed growth. MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares excluding Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) rose 0.3%. That's a sign of some optimism in the region despite overall volatility in global markets.

Oil is recovering

Oil prices, which had been falling on concerns about global demand, have started to rise again. U.S. crude and Brent have gained about 1.4% in a day, signaling investors are returning to energy-related assets.

Bond yields and the dollar: new trends

Eurozone bond yields rose after data showed better-than-expected service sector results in August. However, wage pressures in the region have eased, adding nuance to the overall economic picture.

The dollar, which recently hit a 13-month low against the euro, has started to recover. The dollar index rose 0.4%, indicating a return of confidence in the US currency ahead of a key speech by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell scheduled for Friday. Investors will be closely watching his comments, which could influence the future direction of the dollar.

As a result, global markets continue to show mixed dynamics, with expectations of further central bank action and the impact of macroeconomic data on investor sentiment taking center stage.

The impact of a US rate cut on the global economy

A potential rate cut in the United States could create a more favorable environment for central banks in other countries, giving them more room to maneuver. On Thursday, the Bank of Korea hinted at the possibility of a rate cut in October, while Bank Indonesia said it was prepared to cut rates in the last quarter of this year. However, there is a view in financial markets that the easing process in the US will last longer than in other parts of the world, which could have a significant impact on the global economy.

Market Expectations: Rate Outlook

Interest rate futures show that investors expect the US Federal Reserve to cut rates by 25 basis points next month, with a 50 basis point cut also possible. Forecasts indicate that US rates could fall by about 213 basis points to around 3.2% by the end of 2025. In comparison, Europe is expected to cut rates by a smaller amount, about 157 basis points, which would take the rate to around 2.09%.

US Treasury yields recover

US Treasury yields have started to recover after hitting two-week lows in the previous trading session, supported by a rise in yields in European bond markets. The yield on the US 10-year note rose 8.6 basis points to 3.862% from 3.776% the day before. The yield on the 2-year note also showed significant gains, rising 9.4 basis points to 4.0161% from 3.922% late Wednesday.

FX: Euro and Pound Performance

The euro, which had been steadily rising for the month, suddenly fell 0.4%. Meanwhile, the British pound showed interesting dynamics: it hit a fresh 13-month high against the dollar earlier in the day and strengthened against the euro. This happened against the backdrop of the publication of data that confirmed a steady increase in business activity in the UK in the second half of 2024. However, by the end of the day, the pound rate had slightly corrected and amounted to $ 1.3086.

Thus, global financial markets continue to react to the actions of central banks, as well as to macroeconomic data, which entails changes in bond yields and exchange rates. Investors' attention remains focused on the upcoming Fed decisions and their possible implications for the global economy.

Gold under pressure: what is behind the price drop?

Gold prices have sharply declined by more than 1%, which is associated with a stronger dollar and rising yields on US Treasury bonds. These factors put significant pressure on the precious metal, which is traditionally seen as a safe haven for investors in times of economic instability.

Central banks at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium

Against the backdrop of such changes, key representatives of central banks from around the world gathered in Jackson Hole for the annual economic symposium. All eyes are on Fed Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday, where his words will determine how quickly and decisively the Fed will begin its easing cycle.

Anticipating the Fed's decision: Cautious forecasts

According to analyst Ladner, Powell is likely to calm markets by signaling a rate cut in September. However, he said the Fed chairman will be cautious in his comments, not making any firm statements about the size of the cut — 25 or 50 basis points. He is expected to try to set the market up for a more modest 25 basis point cut.

Those expectations were reinforced by statements from other key Fed figures. On Thursday, Kansas City Fed President Frank Schmidt, Boston Fed President Susan Collins and Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker all said they believed a rate cut was imminent and could begin soon.

Investors on edge: Volatility index rises

The CBOE Volatility Index (.VIX), often used as a gauge of market anxiety, rose sharply to 18, its highest intraday reading in a week. However, the index later eased slightly to settle at 17.56.

Tech sector under attack

Among the 11 major S&P 500 sectors, tech (.SPLRCT) was the biggest loser, falling 2.1%. At the same time, the real estate sector (.SPLRCR) was among the leaders of growth, which indicates a shift in investor interests amid the current market uncertainty.

Snowflake: Optimistic forecast and unexpected decline

Amid general instability, it is worth noting individual fluctuations in company shares. For example, Snowflake (SNOW.N) improved its forecast for annual revenue from products, but this did not help to keep the company's shares from falling. Despite the positive forecast, the shares of the cloud data company fell by 14.7%, as the margin forecast remained unchanged, which disappointed investors.

Thus, amid expectations of Fed decisions and general market turbulence, investors continue to look for stable positions, which is reflected in both the movement of large indices and individual stocks.

Zoom confidently gains heights

Shares of Zoom Video Communications (ZM.O) made an impressive leap, rising by 13.0%. The sharp rise came as the company improved its full-year revenue forecast. At a time when many companies are struggling, Zoom is demonstrating its ability to not only hold its ground, but to grow, which has caught the attention of investors.

Advance Auto Parts Slide: Negative Outlook

On the back of Zoom's success, Advance Auto Parts (AAP.N) shares have seen a sharp decline, losing 17.5% of their value. This happened after the company revised its full-year profit forecast downwards. This move disappointed investors, which led to such a significant decline in quotes.

Market in the Red: Stock Market Sentiment

The mood on the stock markets was clearly not optimistic on Thursday. Declining stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) 2.16 to 1. The same was true on the Nasdaq, where for every one advancing, 2.25 fell.

New Highs and Lows amid Volatility

The S&P 500 posted 58 new 52-week highs on the day, despite the overall trend being down. At the same time, there was only one new low. The Nasdaq Composite also saw activity, with 83 new highs, but also a high number of new lows, at 68.

Trading Activity amid Declining Volume

Trading activity on U.S. exchanges declined, with total trading volume at 9.79 billion shares, below the 20-day average of 11.89 billion shares. The decrease in volume may indicate investor uncertainty and the expectation of further signals from the market.

Thus, the current market fluctuations continue to demonstrate complex sentiments among investors, where fears and caution dominate against the backdrop of individual successful companies.
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Fed Makes Move: Rate Cut Sparks Sharp Rise in Wall Street Stocks

US Stocks Rise Sharply as Fed Chairman's Comments Hint at September Rate Cut
US stock markets posted significant gains on Friday as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated market expectations for a possible rate cut in September.

Powell: Now is the time to cut rates
During a highly anticipated speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Powell said now is the time to cut the federal funds target. He noted that concerns about rising inflation have eased, allowing the Fed to be more flexible in its monetary policy.

"We have not seen a deterioration in the labor market, and we do not want to see one," Powell said in a speech that many analysts took as a clear signal to cut rates at the Fed's upcoming meeting. If the decision is made, it would be the first rate cut in four years.

Experts are confident that the Fed is ready for decisive action
The market reacted to these statements immediately. Detrick, the director of one of the analytical companies, expressed the opinion that the September meeting will open a series of further rate cuts that could continue until the end of the year. According to him, the Fed has made it clear that it is moving to an active phase of monetary easing.

Market soars: growth leaders and historical records
After the publication of Powell's statement, all three major US stock indexes experienced a significant rise. Large-cap companies such as Nvidia, Apple and Tesla stood out in particular, with their shares showing the greatest growth.

Small-caps and regional banks did not stand aside either, with indices rising by 3.2% and 4.9%, respectively. As Detrick noted, the financial sector has reached historical highs, and this rise confirms that the economy does not have serious threats on the horizon that could weaken the positions of regional banks and financial companies.

A week on the rise: markets continue to grow
At the end of the week, all three major US indices recorded positive dynamics, supported by the best weekly gain this year, demonstrated last week.

Week of anticipation: what data will influence the Fed's decision
Ahead of the September meeting of the US Federal Reserve, where the key interest rate decision will be made, analysts are expecting the receipt of a number of important economic data.

The key ones will be the revised figures for the gross domestic product (GDP) for the second quarter from the Commerce Department and the report on personal consumption expenditures (PCE), which contains the PCE price index, the Fed's main indicator of inflation.

All S&P 500 sectors are in the green: real estate leads
All 11 key sectors of the S&P 500 index ended the trading session in positive territory. The real estate sector stood out in particular, showing the most significant gain, rising by 2.0%. This growth was provided by confident investments and positive market sentiment, which supported the overall upward trend.

Workday Surprises Market: Shares Soar on Good News
HR software company Workday (WDAY.O) beat market expectations for quarterly revenue. Moreover, the company announced its intention to buy back its own shares for $1 billion. The news caused a real boom in the market: Workday shares jumped by 12.5%, becoming the leader in growth on the Nasdaq exchange.

Ross Stores and Intuit: Contrasts in the Retail Sector
Discount retailer Ross Stores (ROST.O) also showed positive dynamics, rising by 1.8%. This happened after the company raised its profit forecast for the 2024 fiscal year, which strengthened investor confidence.

At the same time, shares of Intuit (INTU.O), known for its Turbo Tax product, fell by 6.8% after publishing a quarterly report that did not meet expectations. The disappointing results caused a sharp decline in investor interest in the company.

Markets on the move: Stocks continue to rise
On the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the number of advancing stocks significantly exceeded the number of declining ones — the ratio was 8.08 to 1. On the Nasdaq, the situation was also in favor of advancing stocks, where there were 3.68 advancing ones for every declining one. This trend confirms investors' confidence in the stability of the economy and the upcoming decisions of the Federal Reserve.

S&P 500 and Nasdaq continue to break records: the market is on the rise
The American stock market is once again showing confident growth, confirming the positive sentiment of investors. The S&P 500 index recorded 81 new 52-week highs, without recording a single new low. At the same time, the Nasdaq Composite noted 149 new highs and 51 new lows, which underlines the high activity in the market.

Trading Volumes and Indices: Steady Gains on Wall Street
Trading activity on U.S. exchanges showed good results, although the total volume of transactions amounted to 10.57 billion shares, slightly below the average of the last 20 trading days (11.88 billion). Despite this, the key indices continued to rise.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 1.14%, reaching 41,175 points. The S&P 500 added 1.15% and stopped at 5,634, very close to its all-time high. The Nasdaq Composite showed the biggest gain among the major indices, increasing by 1.47% and reaching 17,877 points.

European and Asian Markets: Mixed Results
European exchanges also saw gains. The broader STOXX 600 index rose 0.5% to hit its highest in three weeks. The gain also put the index on track to end a third straight week of gains.

In Asia, the picture was mixed, with stocks outside Japan down slightly, 0.1%, while Japan's Nikkei rose 0.4%. The gains were supported by positive investor reactions to inflation data and comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, who has signaled a willingness to raise interest rates if economic data and inflation are in line with expectations.

Global Trends: MSCI Reaches New Levels
The impact of recent events on the global economy was reflected in the rise in the MSCI World Index, which rose about 1.1%. Despite the recent turmoil in early August, the index has risen above its all-time peak reached in mid-July, signaling a recovery in global markets and investor confidence in the stability of the global economy.

Traders Raise Rates as Rate Cut Expectations Increase
Following Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's speech, traders have increased their expectations for a rate cut in September. Fed funds futures now offer a 37% chance of a 50 basis point cut, up from 25% the day before. A total of 106 basis points of rate cuts are expected by year-end.

Powell: Fed Policy Future Dependent on Data
Jerome Powell stressed in his speech that the Fed's policy direction is clear, but the timing and speed of rate cuts will be determined by economic data and changing risks. These statements were an important signal for the market, prompting investors to revise their forecasts.

Treasury Bonds and Currencies: Yields and the Dollar Fall
U.S. Treasury yields fell amid growing expectations for a rate cut. The 10-year yield fell 5.9 basis points to 3.803%, while the 2-year yield, which is more sensitive to changes in interest rate expectations, fell 9.7 basis points to 3.9132%. Amid these changes, German bunds remained steady, yielding at 2.226%.

There was also significant volatility in currency markets. The US dollar weakened, while sterling strengthened, reaching a more than two-year high. The euro also showed gains, rising to $1.1189, its highest in a year.

Japanese yen strengthens despite inflation data
The Japanese yen also strengthened, as the dollar fell 1.36% to 144.27 and comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated that he was prepared to raise rates if economic conditions were as expected. However, data released in Japan earlier showed that core inflation accelerated for a third month in a row, but the slowdown in demand-driven price growth does not yet indicate the need for an immediate change in interest rate policy.

FX Play: Dollar Weaker Amid Rate Cut Expectations
The currency market is always based on relative expectations, and the prospect that the Federal Reserve will soon begin cutting rates along with other major global banks has led to a weakening of the dollar, said Uto Shinohara, managing director and chief investment strategist at Mesirow in Chicago. According to him, the market is already pricing in future changes in Fed policy, which reduces the attractiveness of the dollar against other currencies.

Oil Market: Sharp Price Jump After Decline
Oil prices have jumped sharply by more than 2%, recouping earlier losses associated with a rise in U.S. crude inventories and a decrease in China's oil demand forecasts. This recovery demonstrates the volatility of the oil market, where everything from inventory data to demand expectations can cause significant changes in prices.

Gold Is Back on the Rise: The Price of an Ounce Nears a Record
Gold continues to strengthen its position, showing a gain of about 1.1%, reaching a price of $2,510 per ounce. This value is close to the record high, which was set just a few days earlier on Tuesday at $2,513 per ounce. Investors continue to invest in gold, seeing it as a safe haven asset in the face of economic uncertainty.
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Market Tectonics: Boeing and PDD Holdings Pull Down, Oil Stocks Rally Ahead

Tech Giants Slip as Market Awaits Nvidia's Quarterly Report
The S&P 500 ended lower on Monday, despite investors' growing expectations for Nvidia's upcoming quarterly report. The AI chipmaker saw its shares fall amid uncertainty surrounding its report, which is due out this week.

Meanwhile, investors are keeping a close eye on upcoming inflation data for clues about potential changes in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy.

Nasdaq Slips, Dow Jones Surges
The tech-heavy Nasdaq also slipped, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to stay afloat, helped by giants like Caterpillar and American Express. Despite the overall decline, the Dow ended the day with a small but positive gain, helped by a nearly 1% gain in those stocks.

Nvidia Expectations Are Peak
Nvidia, the leader in AI chips, is set to report its quarterly results on Wednesday. Investors are pinning their hopes on the company's results, which have risen an impressive 160% year-to-date, accounting for a significant portion of the S&P 500's 18% gain.

"Risky Investing in Focus"
"Nvidia is in the spotlight this week as a barometer for 2024 risk investing," analyst McMillan said. He stressed that Nvidia's success or failure could have a major impact on the market, given the company's importance in the AI sector.

Cautious Expectations
Still, there is growing anxiety among investors. Some fear that if Nvidia's guidance falls short of lofty expectations, it could derail the current rally in AI stocks like Microsoft and Alphabet.

"There is a concern that Nvidia could disappoint," warns Jake Dollarhide, CEO of Longbow Asset Management. "When the market finds confidence without considering the possibility of negative news, that's when the news comes."

Market Under Pressure: PDD Holdings and Tesla Slip
Shares in PDD Holdings, the U.S. unit of the Chinese company behind the popular Temu platform, have plunged nearly 29% after the company failed to meet investor expectations for its second-quarter earnings. The significant drop has raised concerns in an already tense market.

Tesla hit by new tariffs
Tesla also found itself in the spotlight, losing 3.2% of its market value. The reason was the unexpected move by Canadian authorities, who, following the example of the United States and the European Union, announced the introduction of a 100% tariff on the import of Chinese electric cars. This move could seriously affect Tesla's sales in the region and threaten its market position.

Stock indices: S&P 500 and Nasdaq in the red, Dow Jones afloat
The major stock indices ended the day in different directions. The S&P 500 index fell by 0.32%, stopping at 5,616.84 points. The tech-heavy Nasdaq suffered more, losing 0.85% and ending the session at 17,725.77 points. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to stay in positive territory, adding 0.16% to close at 41,240.52.

Tech Down, Energy Up
Of the 11 sectors in the S&P 500, six ended the day lower. The information technology sector was the most pressured, falling 1.12%. Consumer discretionary was also under pressure, losing 0.81%. However, amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and related oil supply disruptions, the energy sector showed the opposite dynamics, jumping 1.11%.

Boeing Slips Amid NASA News
Boeing shares fell 0.85% after it became known that NASA has chosen SpaceX as the primary partner to return astronauts to Earth next year, choosing its vehicle over Boeing's Starliner.

Positive Signals from the Fed: Wall Street on the Rise
Stock markets rose on Friday, with the S&P 500 approaching its all-time highs. This happened amid statements by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell that it was time to lower borrowing costs. Powell emphasized that the reduced risk of inflation and stabilization of labor demand created the conditions for such a decision, which was a positive signal for investors.

Bets on a decrease: The market awaits the Fed decision
There is some expectation in the money market, with traders estimating the probability of a 25 basis point cut in September at 70%, and a 50 basis point cut at 30%. These forecasts are based on data from the FedWatch tool from CME Group, which closely tracks investor sentiment.

Inflation Indicators in Focus
Friday's July personal consumption spending data, a key measure of inflation for the Federal Reserve, could be a key factor in its policy outlook. The data could provide insight into the trajectory of the Fed's monetary easing, which could in turn impact market sentiment.

Corporate Earnings: Dell, Salesforce, and Other Giants
Investors will be focused on earnings this week from companies like Dell, Salesforce, Dollar General, and Gap. These reports could provide insight into the health of the corporate sector and provide additional guidance to the market.

Stock Market Balance
On the stock market front, the S&P 500 showed a modest 1.1-to-1 advantage over declining stocks. Overall, declining stocks outnumbered advancing stocks in the U.S. by 1.2-to-1, suggesting some volatility among market participants.

Volumes remain low
Trading activity on US exchanges was below average, with volumes of 9.5 billion shares compared to the average of 11.9 billion shares over the past 20 sessions. This may indicate that investors are taking a wait-and-see approach amid uncertainty about the Fed's future moves.

Global markets on hold
World stock markets also reacted to expectations of an imminent cut in US interest rates. Despite rising oil prices, caused by tensions in the Middle East, markets closed in the red. European stocks ended the day slightly lower, while London, closed for a public holiday, showed sluggish results. Japan's Nikkei also slid amid a stronger yen, ending trading down almost 0.7%.

Indices closed mixed: Dow Jones rises, Nasdaq falls
US stock indices ended the trading session with mixed results on Monday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.16% to 41,240.52. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 lost 0.32% to end at 5,616.84 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.85% to end the day at 17,725.77. The MSCI World Index also fell 0.20% to end at 829.64.

Market Digests News: Reaction to Powell's Comments
Stock markets continue to react to a flurry of news, including recent comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. "We saw a rally on Friday driven by Powell's comments and some strong durable goods orders data," said Ben MacMillan, principal and chief investment officer at IDX Insights in Florida. However, he added that historically, rate cuts often foreshadow weakness in the stock market because the cuts come for a reason.

Oil Futures Rise Amid Market Jitters
Brent crude futures ended the day up 3.05% to $81.43 a barrel. U.S. crude also posted significant gains, rising 3.5% to $77.42 a barrel. This reflects market volatility and investor anxiety amid global economic uncertainty.

Durable Goods Orders Beat Expectations
New data from the U.S. Commerce Department showed a sharp rise in orders for durable goods such as toasters and airplanes. These orders increased 9.9% in July, a significant rebound from a decline in June and beating analysts' forecasts. The surge signals a rebound in demand for U.S. manufactured goods.

Powell signals possible easing
Jerome Powell stressed at a symposium in Jackson Hole on Friday that the Fed is ready to ease monetary policy, noting the need to prevent further weakness in the labor market. His remarks drew interest from investors expecting lower interest rates to support the economy, but also hinted at possible challenges ahead.

European Central Bank remains cautious: Progress in tackling inflation, but risks remain
European Central Bank chief economist Philip Lane gave a cautiously optimistic assessment of the current situation at a symposium in Jackson Hole. According to him, the ECB has made significant progress in reducing eurozone inflation to its target of 2%, but stressed that it is too early to guarantee a final victory. The comment reflects the central bank's caution about the next steps in monetary policy.

Bond yields rise as market braces for rate hike
On the back of Lane's comments, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose 1.3 basis points to 3.82%. Two-year notes, which are more sensitive to interest rate changes, also rose 2.7 basis points to 3.94%. This suggests that markets are beginning to price in potential policy changes.

Market Expectations: Rates Under Closer Attention
Fed funds futures are fully pricing in a quarter-point rate hike at the Fed's upcoming Sept. 18 meeting, and are also offering a 39.5% chance of a more dramatic 50 basis point move. Investors are looking for 103 basis points of easing by the end of the year and another 122 basis points in 2025.

ECB Continues Rate Cuts
The European Central Bank has already started its easing cycle, cutting rates by 25 basis points in July. Two more such cuts are expected this year. Ben McMillan of IDX Insights expects the ECB to cut rates by 75 basis points this year, but he believes the market may adjust its expectations towards a less aggressive rate cut.

Key Economic Data on the Horizon
Key data on personal consumption and core inflation in the US are due on Friday, along with preliminary inflation data from the EU. These reports could be crucial for determining the direction of monetary policy in September, and most analysts expect them to support the idea of rate cuts.

Japanese Yen Strengthens Against Dollar
In the forex market, the Japanese yen strengthened to a three-week high against the US dollar, reaching 143.45 yen per dollar. However, the dollar then partially recovered its positions, increasing by 0.14% to 144.56 yen. This increase in the yen indicates increased investor interest in safe assets amid global economic uncertainty.

Dollar gains strength: index strengthens amid euro weakness
The dollar index, which tracks the exchange rate of the American currency against six major currencies, including the euro and the yen, showed a rise of 0.24%, reaching 100.84. At the same time, the euro weakened by 0.28%, falling to $1.1159. This movement reflects the strengthening of the dollar amid global economic uncertainty and demand for safer assets.

Gold continues to rise: investors seek safe havens
Gold prices continue to show steady growth, approaching their historical highs. Spot gold rose 0.31% to $2,518.27 an ounce amid increased demand for safe-haven assets. U.S. gold futures also showed positive dynamics, rising 0.28% to $2,515.50 an ounce. The gains highlight investors' desire to protect their capital amid instability in financial markets.
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Nvidia rally saves Wall Street, Asia shares fall on weak PDD Holdings, Nongfu Spring earnings

Wall Street Rises: Records Ahead of Nvidia Earnings
The S&P 500 ended slightly higher on Tuesday, while the Dow Jones closed at a record high. Investors are eagerly awaiting Nvidia's quarterly earnings report on Wednesday, which could shed light on where the market is headed. Additionally, economic data due later this week could provide further clues about a possible interest rate cut.

Tech Bigs in Focus
The tech sector has been mixed, especially ahead of earnings from Nvidia (NVDA.O), the semiconductor giant that has been at the center of Wall Street's recent rally in artificial intelligence stocks. Nvidia shares rose 1.5% to become the most traded stock on U.S. markets, according to LSEG.

Nvidia shares have risen an astonishing 159% since the start of 2024, making the company the leader in the AI tech race. With competition and costs rising among giants like Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Alphabet (GOOGL.O), investors are watching Nvidia closely for more data on the state of the industry.

Expectations are high: Nvidia in focus
"Nvidia has an extremely high bar to meet, not just in terms of its financials but also in terms of its vision for the future of AI. This could have a significant impact on the entire tech sector, which has recently seen a downturn," said Ross Mayfield, an investment strategist at Baird.

Apple and Amazon: Opposite Directions
Apple (AAPL.O) shares ended the session up slightly 0.4%, while Amazon (AMZN.O) shares fell 1.4%.

The S&P 500 Index rose 0.16% to close at 5,625.80, underscoring investors' cautious optimism ahead of major market events.

Nasdaq and Dow Jones: Steady Gains Amid Expectations
On Tuesday, the Nasdaq Index rose 0.16% to 17,754.82, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.02% to end the day at a record high of 41,250.50. This was the second straight day that the Dow Jones has set a new high, underscoring the market's resilience.

Tech and Finance: The Gainers
Of the S&P 500's eleven major sectors, six ended the day with positive dynamics. The leader was the information technology sector (.SPLRCT), which added 0.63%. In second place was the financial sector (.SPSY), which rose 0.48%. The results suggest that investors continue to bet on leading industries despite economic uncertainty.

Consumer Confidence and the Labor Market: Contrasting Signals
Data released on Tuesday showed that U.S. consumer confidence hit a six-month high in August. However, despite the optimism, consumers showed concerns about the labor market, especially after the country's unemployment rate rose to a nearly three-year high of 4.3% last month.

Awaiting Key Economic Data
Investors now turn their attention to Friday's release of personal consumption spending data for July, which could provide further clues about the possible pace of interest rate cuts. Ahead of that event, traders are actively speculating on the likelihood of the Federal Reserve cutting rates by 25 or 50 basis points in September, based on data from the CME Group's Fed Watch tool.

Economic Outlook: Recession Risks Rising
Meanwhile, UBS Global Wealth Management raised its chances of a U.S. recession to 25% from 20%, citing a weakening labor market. The move reflects growing concerns about a possible economic slowdown despite continued gains in stock markets.

Paramount Global: Slump as Deal Drops
Paramount Global (PARA.O) shares plunged more than 7% after Edgar Bronfman Jr. decided to drop his bid for the company. The move cleared the way for Skydance Media to take control of Shari Redstone's media empire, sending the stock sharply lower amid uncertainty about the future.

Tesla: Slump as Trade Barriers Rise
Tesla (TSLA.O) shares fell 1.9% after the Canadian government announced a 100% tariff on imported electric vehicles made in China. The measure will affect all electric cars coming from China, including those made by Tesla, raising investor concerns about a potential decline in demand in the region.

Super Micro Computer under pressure: Hindenburg Research steps in
Super Micro Computer (SMCI.O) shares fell 2.6% after Hindenburg Research said it had taken a short position in the AI-focused server maker. The announcement added to the tension around the company, sending its stock sharply lower, underscoring the influence of big players on market volatility.

Housing: High mortgage rates under pressure
The PHLX Housing Index (.HGX) fell 1.2% amid data showing single-family home prices fell in June. Rising mortgage rates continue to weigh on housing demand, raising concerns about the future of the sector.

Market balance: Declines dominate
Amid mixed economic data, decliners outnumbered advancers in the S&P 500 (.AD.SPX) by 1.1 to 1. However, the S&P 500 posted 50 new highs and just one new low, while the Nasdaq posted 62 new highs and 57 new lows, indicating continued uncertainty among investors.

Trading Volumes: Market Activity Declines
Trading volumes on U.S. exchanges were below average, with 8.6 billion shares traded, well below the 11.9 billion average over the past 20 sessions. This decline in activity may indicate that investors are waiting for more concrete cues to inform their decisions.

Global Markets: Nvidia Results Awaited
Global stock markets were poised for new records on Wednesday, but further developments depended on the upcoming results from semiconductor investor favorite Nvidia. Meanwhile, the British pound hovered near a 2.5-year high amid expectations that the U.K. could lag the U.S. in cutting interest rates.

Asia Pacific: Mixed Results
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares excluding Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) fell 0.2%. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei (.N225) was unchanged, indicating that investors in the region are cautious amid global economic challenges.

Oil: Uncertainty on Chinese demand
After the recent surge in tensions in the Middle East, oil prices have come under renewed pressure. The main factor was growing concerns about weak demand from China, which has caused a pullback in prices. Brent crude futures are trading just below $80 a barrel, reflecting uncertainty in global markets.

Nvidia: A Game-Changing Giant
Nvidia's (NVDA.O) market value continues to soar, driven by its leading role in developing artificial intelligence hardware. Since 2019, the company's shares have risen a whopping 3,000%, and its market cap has reached $3.2 trillion. This makes Nvidia a key player whose moves affect the entire market.

Nvidia's Market Impact: Forecasts and Expectations
According to Capital.com analyst Kyle Rodda, Nvidia's results not only determine the future of the company itself, but also set the tone for the entire tech sector. "Nvidia's revenue outlook serves as an indicator of the level of investment in AI, as well as the prospects of other large tech companies," Rodda said.

Global Markets: Moderate Growth and Caution
The S&P 500 (.SPX) showed a slight increase of 0.2% in the latest session, but Asian futures remained stable. Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.1%, while FTSE futures rose 0.2%, reflecting mixed sentiment in markets.

Hong Kong: Consumer stocks fall
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng (.HIS) index fell 1.1%, led by declines in consumer stocks. Particularly hard hit was water maker Nongfu Spring (9633.HK), whose shares fell 12% after weak financial results. This came amid a negative outlook from discount online retailer PDD Holdings, adding to the negative sentiment.

Tabcorp: Biggest drop in 15 years
Shares in Australian gambling company Tabcorp suffered a sharp decline, falling 17% to their lowest in four years. This was the biggest decline since 2008. The collapse was triggered by the company's warning that rising compliance and other costs would mean it would miss its profit targets.

Asian Markets: Stability Amid Currency Swings
In Asia, debt and currency markets were broadly stable. However, the Australian dollar briefly jumped to its highest since January at $0.6813. The gain was fueled by slightly better-than-expected inflation data, which sparked short-term optimism among investors.

Global Currencies: Dollar Slips
In global markets, the dollar's weakness, fueled by expectations of a US rate cut, helped other currencies gain. With short-term US interest rates above 5.25%, investors were starting to speculate that this is where the biggest declines will occur. In Asia, the dollar steadied at 144.42 yen and also strengthened 0.3% to $1.1145 per euro.

Interest Rate Outlook: Is a Cut Imminent?
Interest rate futures are now pricing in the possibility of a 100 basis point rate cut in the US this year. Last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated the possibility of a cut soon, saying "the time is now." The statement supported investor expectations for looser monetary policy in the near future.

BoE: Cautious Approach, Strengthening Pound
Unlike the US, the Bank of England has remained cautious in its actions, making sterling the best-performing currency in the G10 so far this year, up 4.1%. Sterling hit its highest in more than two years on Tuesday, hitting $1.3269, before retreating to $1.3227 in Asian trading.

UK Inflation: A Persistent Threat
Rabobank senior strategist Jane Foley said in a note that UK services inflation remains "uncomfortably high," adding pressure on the Bank of England and keeping the pound high. This confirms the need for further measures to combat inflation risks in the country.

BoE rates: Caution above all
Experts believe that the Bank of England is likely to cut interest rates no more than once a quarter. This view contrasts with the outlook of the US Federal Reserve, which is expected to make four successive 25 basis point rate cuts from September to January. This approach reflects the Bank of England's caution in the face of economic uncertainty.

Bond markets: Narrow gap
The rates market was stable, with the 10-year US Treasury yield at 3.83% and the two-year yield at 3.87%. Notably, the gap between the two was the narrowest in three weeks, indicating a convergence of long-term and short-term yield prospects. This could signal a stabilization in investor expectations for future interest rate movements.

Bitcoin and Gold: Mixed Movements
Cryptocurrency markets came under severe pressure as heavy selling in New York sent Bitcoin down 4% to $59,450. Meanwhile, gold held its ground at $2,517 an ounce, showing resilience amid market volatility. The mixed movements highlight growing instability in the financial sector and investors' differing perceptions of safe haven assets.
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Blackwell Delay, Stock Drop: What's Happening at Nvidia?

Nvidia: Investor Expectations Were Not Met

Nvidia's (NVDA.O) quarterly guidance on Wednesday disappointed investors who had been counting on a continued run for the company, a symbol of success in generative AI. While Nvidia delivered impressive results, it was not enough to meet lofty market expectations.

The company's shares fell 6% in after-hours trading, dragging down other chipmakers. The report was a moment of truth for the tech sector, where even Nvidia's strong results have drawn mixed reviews. Despite impressive financials, including strong growth and profits, investors were left scratching their heads.

Strategy in Question

Carson Group chief market strategist Ryan Detrick noted that the problem was the scale of expectations. "The bit size this time was much smaller than we've seen in the past," he explained. Even the company's updated guidance failed to excite investors in the same way it had in previous quarters, he said. "Nvidia remains a standout with 122% revenue growth, but it appears the bar was set too high this earnings season," he added.

Guidance Underperforms

While Nvidia's revenue and gross profit guidance for the current quarter were close to analyst expectations, they failed to continue the trend of recent quarters in which the company has consistently beaten Wall Street estimates. This eclipsed even the impressive figures for revenue and adjusted profit in the second quarter, as well as the announcement of a $50 billion share buyback.

Nvidia has shown more than 200% revenue growth over the past three quarters, but each success puts more pressure on the company. As Wall Street continues to raise its targets, Nvidia now faces a challenge that is becoming increasingly difficult to overcome.

Nvidia is betting on Blackwell

Nvidia announced that it has begun shipping test samples of its new chips, codenamed Blackwell, to partners and customers. These chips have been finalized and are ready for market. The company expects their sales to bring in several billion dollars in the fourth quarter, which should support the current financial results.

However, even such ambitious plans could not save the market from a wave of sell-offs. Shares of chipmakers such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD.O) and Broadcom (AVGO.O) fell almost 4%. Asian giants SK Hynix and Samsung also felt the impact, falling 4.5% and 2.8%, respectively, in Thursday morning trading.

Market on Edge: What Nvidia's Decline Means

Nvidia's fate largely determines the dynamics of the entire tech sector. The company's shares have soared more than 150% since the start of the year, adding $1.82 trillion to its market value and pushing the S&P 500 to new all-time highs. However, if the stock continues to slide after the close of trading on Wednesday, the company could wipe out as much as $175 billion in market value.

The outlook has raised concerns among investors about potential ROI issues in generative AI, with some beginning to question whether tech giants can continue to invest so heavily in the data centers needed to support AI without risking their bottom lines. These concerns have already begun to reverberate through the market, dampening the recent AI-related gains in stocks.

AI Giants: What's Next for Them?

Nvidia's biggest customers, such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms (a banned organization in Russia), are expected to spend more than $200 billion on capital expenditures in 2024. Much of that money is being spent on building AI infrastructure.

But even those investment plans haven't kept the tech giants' stocks from falling. They were down less than 1% in over-the-counter trading on Wednesday, reflecting growing tensions in the market. Whether Nvidia and other tech leaders can live up to investors' lofty expectations remains an open question.

Investors are starting to worry about the future of AI

The once-unshakable generative AI market is starting to raise more and more questions among investors. "The entire market is now kind of tied to Nvidia's success, and that's becoming increasingly worrisome," eMarketer analyst Jacob Borne said. It seems like any swing in Nvidia's performance could have a significant impact on the overall perception of the AI sector.

Regulators are ramping up the pressure

Nvidia is also facing increasing pressure from regulators. In its latest quarterly report, the company reported requests for information from regulators in the US and South Korea. The requests cover various aspects of Nvidia's business, including GPU sales, supply chain allocation, base models, and partnerships and investments in AI companies.

Previously, the company had only mentioned similar requests from regulators in the EU, UK, and China. In this context, it is particularly noteworthy that the French antitrust authority is preparing to charge Nvidia with alleged anti-competitive practices. US media have also reported that Nvidia is being investigated by US regulators for possible attempts by the company to tie its networking equipment to popular AI chips.

Profit outlook: high, but under pressure

Despite the challenges, Nvidia continues to deliver strong financial results. In the third quarter, the company expects adjusted gross margins of 75%, with possible deviations of 50 basis points. For comparison, analysts predict a slightly higher figure of 75.5%, which, however, is not much different from the second quarter, where Nvidia posted a profit of 75.7%.

Even taking these figures into account, Nvidia's gross margins remain significantly higher than those of its competitors. In particular, AMD showed an adjusted profit of 53% in the second quarter. The gap is due to the high prices of Nvidia's chips, which continue to lead in speed and performance. However, the question remains whether the company's strong performance can be sustained amid mounting regulatory pressure and growing investor anxiety.

Nvidia's Outlook: Falls short of lofty expectations

Nvidia is forecasting revenue of $32.5 billion for the third quarter, with a 2% margin of error, slightly above the average analyst estimate of $31.77 billion, according to LSEG. The company posted revenue of $30.04 billion in the second quarter, significantly beating expectations of $28.70 billion. Adjusted earnings per share were 68 cents, also above the 64 cents expected.

Impressive Growth in the Data Center Segment

One of the keys to Nvidia's success is its rapid growth in data center sales. In the second quarter, this segment brought in $26.3 billion for the company, up 154% year-over-year and well above the $25.15 billion forecast. Compared to the first quarter, revenue in this segment increased by 16%.

In addition, Nvidia continues to generate significant revenue from the sale of chips to gaming and automotive companies, which also supports the company's overall financial results.

The market reacts to forecasts

Despite such significant gains, shares of some other companies, such as Broadcom and Advanced Micro Devices, fell by about 2%, while Microsoft and Amazon fell by almost 1%. This is due to the general tension in the market caused by Nvidia's forecasts, which turned out to be less ambitious than investors expected.

If the downward trend in Nvidia shares that began on Wednesday continues on Thursday, it could be a serious blow to the company, although not as severe as the 11% drop recorded earlier this year.

Demand for AI Chips: High Expectations and Harsh Reality

Relentless demand for AI chips has allowed Nvidia to beat analyst estimates multiple times in previous quarters, driving investor expectations to new heights. However, today's more subdued forecasts have eclipsed even the company's impressive second-quarter revenue growth and strong adjusted profit, not to mention its massive $50 billion share buyback.

The question remains: Can Nvidia continue to meet rising market expectations, or will its financials face greater challenges in the future?

Over-Expectations: Nvidia Fails to Meet Market

Despite its impressive financial performance, Nvidia is facing a situation where even good results fail to meet investors' wildly high expectations. "They beat expectations, but when expectations are that high, it's hard to meet market expectations," says JJ Kinahan, CEO of IG North America and president of online broker Tastytrade. His words reflect the sentiment of many market participants who expected Nvidia to deliver on its promise.

Fall Volatility: Market Ahead of Unstable Season

A weak reaction to Nvidia's earnings report could set the tone for market sentiment heading into what has historically been a volatile fall. According to CFRA, the S&P 500 has fallen an average of 0.8% in September since World War II, making it its worst month of the year. The stats are adding to investor anxiety, especially in the context of the current market volatility.

Investors will also be focused on next week's U.S. employment report, which could shed light on whether the weakness in the labor market that rocked stock markets in early August has been overcome.

AI Rally: Is Confidence Losing?

The optimism surrounding AI technology has been fueled in large part by Nvidia's incredible run, which has helped fuel Wall Street's strength over the past year. However, confidence in the rally has begun to fade in recent weeks as earnings results have disappointed many investors.

Tech giants like Microsoft and Alphabet have been particularly hard hit, failing to meet high expectations. Investors have also expressed concern about the companies' significant spending on new AI technologies. This spending, aimed at maintaining their leadership in AI, has raised concerns about its impact on future profitability. Microsoft and Alphabet shares have remained under pressure since their earnings reports last month, reflecting growing skepticism in the market.

The market is heading into a potentially challenging period, where inflated expectations and historical volatility could weigh heavily on investors. Questions remain about whether tech leaders can continue to deliver on expectations, creating uncertainty heading into the fall.

Nvidia Outlook: Steady Growth Amid High Expectations

Nvidia provided guidance for its fiscal third quarter, expecting revenue of $32.5 billion, with a potential for variation of 2%. That number is well above the average analyst estimate of $31.8 billion, according to LSEG, and represents an impressive 80% growth compared to the same quarter last year.

Gross Margin: Ambitious Targets

The Santa Clara, California-based company is also targeting adjusted gross margin of 75%, with a potential for variation of 50 basis points. That's slightly below the average analyst estimate of 75.5%, reflecting the market's high expectations for the leading chipmaker.

Market reaction: Pre-earnings correction

Nvidia shares were down 2.1% on Wednesday ahead of its quarterly earnings report. However, despite this temporary dip, the company remains one of the leaders of the AI rally, with shares up 150% since the start of 2024. This phenomenon makes Nvidia one of the main beneficiaries of the current AI-driven boom on Wall Street.

Stock valuation: A comparative analysis

Interestingly, despite its impressive growth, Nvidia shares trade at a price-to-earnings multiple of 36 times earnings, below the average of 41 times over the past five years. Meanwhile, the S&P 500, which is often used to gauge major market trends, is trading at 21 times expected earnings, above the five-year average of 18 times. Nvidia's guidance continues to surprise and excite investors, but it also highlights the mounting pressure and high expectations for the company. Nvidia faces some tough quarters ahead, and the entire market will be watching to see if the company can meet and exceed the expectations it has set for itself.
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USD/JPY: Analysis and Forecast

During the Asian session today, following the release of the CPI (Consumer Price Index) data from Tokyo, the Japanese yen attempted to regain its recent gains against the U.S. dollar. The rise in inflation in Tokyo strengthens the Bank of Japan's aggressive monetary policy stance, which supports the yen and pressures the USD/JPY pair downward. However, during the European session, the dollar began to reclaim its strength.

The downward potential for the USD/JPY pair is limited as the U.S. dollar, following yesterday's stronger-than-expected economic data, is trying to maintain its recent gains. However, dovish comments from the Federal Reserve could restrain the further growth of the U.S. dollar.

Today, traders should focus on the U.S. PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) index for insights into the future direction of U.S. interest rates and potential trading opportunities.

From a technical standpoint, the pair is above the downward trendline, indicating a weakening of the bearish bias. However, the RSI (14-day Relative Strength Index) remains above 30, confirming the bearish trend.

Additionally, the USD/JPY pair may test the downward trendline at the 144.50 level.

A break below this level could see the pair move toward the seven-month low recorded on August 5, with further support at 140.25.

Regarding resistance, if the pair consolidates above the 145.00 level, it could open the path to 146.00, and a move into the 146.500 supply zone could increase the likelihood of a bullish trend.
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Hot forecast for EUR/USD on September 9, 2024

It seems almost unbelievable, but the United States Department of Labor reported a decrease in the unemployment rate from 4.3% to 4.2%. This is even though employment growth over recent months should have led to an increase in unemployment, which had been occurring consistently for several months. Considering the population size, growth rate, and age demographics, employment in the United States should increase by just over 200,000 jobs per month to maintain a stable unemployment rate. However, it increased by only 1,717,000 jobs over the last twelve months, or approximately 143,000 jobs monthly. The United States Department of Labor also publishes data on the number of new jobs created outside of agriculture. This figure indicates the maximum potential for employment growth. According to the latest data, 142,000 jobs were created. Over the same previous twelve months, 2,358,000 jobs were created, or about 196,000 per month, which is also not enough. Thus, even if we assume that the employment data is not entirely accurate, there still aren't enough new jobs to stabilize the labor market.

Moreover, only 673,000 new jobs were created in the last five months, or about 135,000 monthly. With such figures, unemployment should only rise, as observed in previous months. But now, inexplicably, it has decreased.

Nonetheless, despite apparent inconsistencies and troubling questions, the dollar somewhat strengthened its positions. Considering the ongoing election campaign and the fact that the majority of American media clearly support the Democrats, one should not expect further development of this issue. On the contrary, leading media outlets will point to the decrease in the unemployment rate without any questions or the like, citing it as an argument in favor of Kamala Harris. Thus, the oddities with the labor market data will quickly be forgotten, at least in the media space, thereby creating a basis for strengthening the dollar.

The EUR/USD pair showed significant volatility towards the end of last week. The lever for speculators has been the information and news flow, particularly the U.S. Department of Labor's report. As a result, the quote initially jumped above the 1.1150 mark, then plummeted below 1.1100.

In the 4-hour chart, the RSI technical indicator has lost strength due to high volatility. However, it is worth noting that towards the close of trading, the indicator stabilized below the average level of 50, indicating an increase in the volume of short positions on the euro.

Regarding the Alligator indicator in the same time frame, the moving average lines are intertwined with each other. In this case, the indicator is in confusion.

Expectations and Prospects
Based on the inertial-speculative cycle, the movement towards the upper area of the psychological level of 1.1000/1.1050 is not ruled out. This price area serves as a support for sellers in the market. However, the speculation factor, which will continue this week, should be noted. Thus, price movements can quickly change directions.

The complex indicator analysis points to a downward cycle in the short-term and intraday periods. Indicators point to an upward trend in the medium term.
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Apple Slows Down, Boeing Takes Off: How Are Trends Changing?

Wall Street Gains After Selloff
The key U.S. stock indexes posted solid gains of more than 1% on Monday as market participants looked for bargains after last week's big selloff. Investors' expectations were also focused on upcoming inflation data and Federal Reserve decisions to be announced in the coming days.

Last Week's Slide and Why It Mattered
It was a tough week for investors, with Friday's reports showing weaker-than-expected employment data for August. This followed disappointing manufacturing data released on Tuesday, which sent the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) to its biggest weekly loss since January 2022, while the S&P 500 (.SPX) posted its biggest decline since March 2023.

Awaiting key data and decisions
Amid uncertainty and new economic data, market participants continue to brace for potential volatility from the release of fresh inflation data and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision, which could significantly impact the future direction of markets.

Investors bet on recovery: Wall Street in positive territory
Wall Street indices confidently moved higher on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) adding 484.18 points, or 1.20%, to 40,829.59. The S&P 500 (.SPX) rose 62.63 points, or 1.16%, to end at 5,471.05, while the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) gained 193.77 points, or 1.16%, to end at 16,884.60.

Awaiting Economic and Political News
Investors are focused this week on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) release, which is expected Wednesday morning, the day after the first presidential debate between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. The debate and economic data could set the tone for the market ahead of the November 5 election.

'High-Quality Stocks' Are Back in Focus
Phil Blancato, chief market strategist at Osaic Wealth in New York, says investors are actively looking at "high-quality stocks that are now available at attractive prices." Among such holdings, Blancato singled out Nvidia (NVDA.O), a leader in the market for artificial intelligence chips. The company's shares rose 3.5% on Monday after a sharp 15.3% drop the previous week.

Experts Caution
Despite the current gains, Blancato is concerned about the rally continuing ahead of a key inflation report. Wednesday's CPI data could play a key role in the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. Investors are hoping for a "soft" reading that could confirm further rate cuts by the Fed — by 25 or 50 basis points.

"But what if it doesn't?" — Blancato warns, noting that any unexpected Fed move could trigger serious market volatility.

Fed Fears: A Dilemma on the Horizon
Investors are bracing for either scenario: Some will be disappointed if the Fed decides to cut rates by just 25 basis points, while others will be worried if the cut is more significant — up to 50 basis points. This could indicate serious concerns on the part of the regulator about the state of the economy. "It turns out that either way, it's not a win-win situation," one market strategist noted.

Inflation Data: Expectations and Forecasts
Wednesday's inflation report is expected to show a slowdown in headline price growth in August to 2.6% year-on-year, with the monthly figure likely to remain unchanged at 0.2%. The consumer price inflation (CPI) data will be followed by the producer price report on Thursday, which will also be closely analyzed by the market.

Apple underwhelms: a poor start with the new iPhone
Shares of Apple Inc (AAPL.O) were little changed on Monday, closing with a minimal gain of 0.04%, despite an earlier loss of almost 2%. Investors showed little enthusiasm for the launch of the new iPhone 16 with artificial intelligence features, which the company presented earlier in the week.

S&P 500 Sectors in the Green: Consumer Staples, Industrials Lead the Way
All 11 major sectors of the S&P 500 ended the day in the green. Consumer staples led the gains, up 1.63%, followed by industrials, which added 1.56%. Communications companies were the weakest performers, up just 0.04%.

Tech Competition: Apple vs. Huawei
Apple's unveiling of its new phone came hours after Chinese tech giant Huawei (HWT.UL) began accepting pre-orders for its triple-phone Mate XT, adding intrigue to an already intense standoff between the two tech giants.

Boeing's Gain: Avoiding a Strike

Boeing (BA.N) shares jumped 3.4% after the company and its largest union reached a tentative agreement covering more than 32,000 workers. This helped prevent an impending strike, which had a positive impact on investor sentiment.

Palantir and Dell Technologies: Gains on S&P 500 Upgrades
Palantir (PLTR.N) jumped 14% and Dell Technologies (DELL.N) gained 3.8% after it was announced that they would be added to the S&P 500 index on Sept. 23. The move prompted investor buying and strengthened the companies' positions in the market.

American Airlines and Etsy Lose Index Spots
As a result of the S&P 500 changes, American Airlines Group (AAL.O), which rose 3.9%, and Etsy (ETSY.O), which fell 1.6%, will be removed from the index. Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO.N), which ended the day down 2%, will also be removed.

Trading Volumes: Activity on U.S. Exchanges
A total of 10.75 billion shares changed hands on U.S. exchanges, slightly above the 20-day moving average of 10.72 billion shares. Advancing stocks outnumbered declining stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) by a 2.16-to-1 ratio, with 258 new highs and 111 new lows. On the Nasdaq, 2,548 stocks advanced and 1,616 declined, for a 1.58-to-1 ratio in favor of gainers.

New Highs and Lows: S&P 500 and Nasdaq on the Move
The S&P 500 posted 27 new 52-week highs and 4 new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite posted 45 new highs and 177 new lows. The data suggests continued buying interest despite market volatility.

Hewlett Packard: Falling as Offering Goes On
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE.N) shares fell sharply by 6.4% in after-hours trading after the company announced it would offer $1.35 billion in mandatory convertible preferred shares to finance its acquisition of Juniper Networks (JNPR.N). The news has raised investor concerns and put pressure on the stock.

HPE Strengthens AI Market Position with Juniper Networks Deal
Earlier this year, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) announced it would acquire networking company Juniper Networks for $14 billion in cash. The acquisition is intended to strengthen HPE's AI offerings and expand its market share in infrastructure solutions.

Funds for the Transaction: Convertible Share Financing
HPE said the net proceeds from the mandatory convertible preferred stock offering will be used to cover all expenses associated with the acquisition of Juniper Networks. The offering allows investors to purchase preferred shares, which typically pay higher dividends than common shares, and also gives holders the right to convert their shares into common shares at a future date.

Automatic Share Conversion: Terms and Conditions
The preferred shares offered by HPE will automatically convert into common shares on or about September 1, 2027, unless they are redeemed or exchanged by then. This provision provides investors with the flexibility to choose between a stable dividend income and the potential for common share appreciation.

Major Banks Support the Deal
Leading investment banks, including Citigroup, J.P. Morgan and Mizuho, will coordinate the issuance of preferred shares and act as joint bookrunners. This support validates the value of the deal and the credibility of HPE's strategy.

Growing Demand for AI Servers Raises Revenue Outlook
Last week, HPE raised its full-year revenue guidance, citing increased demand for AI-focused servers. The growth is driven by companies' significant investments in AI infrastructure, creating additional opportunities for HPE in the coming years.
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Oil storm and political intrigue: What's happening to US markets?

Markets react to presidential debate: stocks fall, dollar holds
US stock futures fell, the dollar held its ground and bond prices jumped after a tense US presidential debate in which Vice President Kamala Harris put Republican nominee Donald Trump on the defensive.

Fiery debate puts investors on edge
The presidential contenders focused on hot-button issues such as abortion, the economy, immigration and Trump's legal woes in the first debate. That has raised concerns among investors, especially ahead of upcoming U.S. inflation data that could shape Federal Reserve policy next week.

Bond yields fall on rate cut expectations
Bond yields, which move in the opposite direction to their prices, fell after Harris's strong speech, fueling expectations for interest rate cuts while investors also anticipate higher spending if Trump wins. Ten-year Treasury yields fell to 3.6068%, their lowest since June 2023. Meanwhile, 10-year German bond yields, the euro zone's benchmark, fell 2.5 basis points to 2.12%, a new one-month low.

Political battle intensifies after Biden exit
Harris's late entry into the presidential race following Joe Biden's resignation in July has intensified the political battle. Her confident debate only added to market jitters that have become more pronounced in anticipation of Trump's possible return to the White House.

Investors weigh the implications of a potential victory
S&P 500 futures fell 0.3% as the market speculates that a Harris presidency is unlikely to bring major spending or tax cuts.

Asian shares fall, Europe stays afloat
The MSCI index of Asia-Pacific shares excluding Japan fell 0.3%, reflecting broader trends in Asian markets.

European markets gain on US hurricane
European stock markets were more upbeat, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index up 0.4%. The gains were helped by gains in oil and gas stocks, driven by concerns that Hurricane Francine could impact US oil production.

Rates Tilt to Harris, But Fiscal Policy Remains Cloudy
The presidential debates provided little clarity on fiscal policy, but financial markets showed a bias in favor of Kamala Harris. Pop star Taylor Swift has thrown her weight behind her campaign, saying she will back Harris in the Nov. 5 election.

Dollar Weakens, Yen Strengthens
The U.S. dollar index, which tracks the dollar against six other major currencies, was down 0.256 percent at 101.38. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen rose more than 1 percent to 140.71 per dollar, its highest since late December. The gains came after Bank of Japan Governor Junko Nakagawa reiterated that the bank will continue to raise interest rates if the economy and inflation meet its forecasts.

US Crypto Assets Slip
US crypto and blockchain stocks fell in premarket trading after Bitcoin dropped 2%. This comes amid previous statements by Donald Trump, who positioned himself as a supporter of cryptocurrencies at the Bitcoin 2024 convention in Nashville in July.

Awaiting inflation data: investors focus on reports
Investors are closely watching the upcoming publication of the US Labor Department's Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is scheduled for Wednesday. The report is expected to provide further clues about the possible course of monetary policy, although the Federal Reserve has already emphasized that employment is taking precedence over inflation.

Inflation forecasts remain stable
According to the data from an analyst survey, the core consumer price index is expected to increase 0.2% in August from the previous month, in line with previous readings. This stability in the outlook leaves the question of the future of interest rates open, especially given that the latest employment report released on Friday did not provide a clear direction for the Fed's actions.

Fed rates in question: What to expect next week?
While most economists expect the Fed to cut interest rates next week, the size of the cut is still up for debate. After the mixed jobs report, it's clear the central bank needs more evidence of a slowdown or recession, particularly in the labor market.

"For the Fed to take more decisive action, we need more evidence of a slowdown in the economy, particularly in employment. I don't think the latest payrolls report provided that evidence," said ING's Carnell.

Market Price in Rate Cut Probability
Investors are currently pricing a 65% chance of the Fed cutting rates by 25 basis points, with a 35% chance of a more aggressive 50 basis point cut when the central bank makes its decision on September 18, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

Oil prices recover amid hurricane concerns
In commodity markets, oil prices began to recover from a significant drop in the previous session. Amid a decrease in US crude inventories and the threat of Hurricane Francine, which could disrupt production in the country, quotes rose by 2%. These factors partially offset concerns about a decrease in global demand.

Oil futures rise: Brent and WTI gain momentum
Brent crude rose by 2% to reach $70.64 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures rose by 2.25% to reach $67.21 per barrel. These figures reflect a mixed reaction of markets to the current uncertainty around production and demand.

Cryptocurrency stocks under pressure: Growing chances of Harris alarm the market
Shares of US companies related to cryptocurrencies are falling in premarket trading on Wednesday. This comes after Democratic nominee Kamala Harris successfully attacked her opponent Donald Trump in a heated debate, putting him on the defensive.

Trump as a cryptocurrency supporter: the industry is waiting
Trump, who has previously positioned himself as a Bitcoin supporter, has promised to support the cryptocurrency sector. His possible return to the White House could mean favorable changes for the industry, which has been critical of the current administration for excessive regulatory measures. However, after the debate, the crypto market is showing warning signs: Bitcoin, the world's largest digital currency, fell 1.6% on Wednesday, while Ethereum lost 2%.

Analysts assess the impact of the debate on the crypto market
"Despite the fact that the debate was not directly about cryptocurrencies, market sentiment is changing in favor of Kamala Harris," comments Valentin Fournier, an analyst at BRN.

"This is a bit of a chilling outlook for Bitcoin, in contrast to the more optimistic forecasts Trump made at the Bitcoin 2024 conference," Fournier adds, pointing to a shift in sentiment that could impact the future of cryptocurrencies.

Harris's odds are rising: Markets are taking bets
Kamala Harris's odds of winning the election have increased from 53% to 56% after the presidential debate, while Donald Trump's chances of winning have fallen from 52% to 48%, according to online betting site PredictIt.

Trump and the Crypto Industry: Promises and Hopes
Back in July, Donald Trump was actively seeking support from the crypto industry, speaking at a conference with promises of more favorable regulations. During his speech, he urged: "Never sell your Bitcoin," hoping to attract votes and donations from the crypto community.

Markets Watch Bitcoin: A Preference Indicator
Ahead of the debate, many analysts and traders looked to Bitcoin as an indicator that could tell which candidate is leading the race. The cryptocurrency market, known for its high volatility, is often seen as a risky asset. It attracts the attention of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which accuses market participants of violating securities laws.

Cryptocurrencies Are Growing in Popularity Despite Risks
Despite the risks and regulatory pressure, interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow thanks to support from Wall Street and large corporations such as Elon Musk's Tesla, as well as the growing popularity of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds.

Crypto Stocks Fall: React to Debate
Crypto stocks were under pressure ahead of the opening bell. Riot Platforms, Marathon Digital, and Hut 8 lost between 2.5% and 3.4%. Software developer and major Bitcoin buyer MicroStrategy fell 4%, while cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global fell 2.5% and blockchain farm operator Bitfarms fell 3%.

These crypto market swings highlight the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the election and its possible impact on future regulation of the industry.

US Inflation Takes a Backseat as Political Battles Rumble
Amid the heated US presidential debate, upcoming inflation data has taken a backseat for now, but the lull could be temporary.

Last Stand Before Big Fed Decision
Wednesday's August consumer price report will be the last major economic data before the Federal Reserve's expected decision on September 18. With markets pricing in a roughly 35% chance of a sharp 50 basis point rate cut, and a 25 basis point cut already fully priced in, the upcoming data could significantly change traders' bets and positioning.

Economists See Inflation Stable
Economists surveyed expect both headline and core CPI to rise 0.2% month-on-month, with annual inflation falling to 2.6% in August from 2.9% in July. That outlook could impact the Fed's policy decisions.

Markets react to shifting balance of power
U.S. Treasury yields fell, while the dollar and Bitcoin, as well as U.S. stock futures, also fell. The market reaction is interpreted as a sign that the debate has given Harris a slight advantage ahead of the November 5 presidential election.

The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note fell to 3.605%, the lowest since June 2023, while the dollar was at 141.68 yen.

Trump's budget forecasts and plans
Amid the election race, budget analysts expect Trump's policies to be aimed at creating new federal debt, which may become one of the key points of his agenda.

Treasury interest: markets await auction
The auction of 10-year Treasury notes scheduled for Wednesday will be an indicator of investor sentiment and their interest in U.S. government securities. The auction will help gauge how markets are assessing the current state of the economy and the outlook for interest rates.

Bank Stocks Under Pressure: Regulators Step Up Scrutiny
Bank stocks remain in focus after a sharp decline. On Tuesday, the Federal Reserve chairman unveiled a plan to increase capital requirements for the largest banks by 9%. The proposal was less stringent than the initial version, which met with considerable resistance from Wall Street, but still disappointed bank investors and some critics.

Mixed Signals from Wall Street: Earnings at Risk
Adding pressure on the banking sector were comments from JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. JPMorgan Chase cut its interest income forecasts, while Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said trading income could fall 10% in the current quarter.

UniCredit Targets Commerzbank: New Deal on the Horizon?
Meanwhile, in Europe, attention was drawn to Italian bank UniCredit, which announced Wednesday that it would acquire a 9% stake in Germany's Commerzbank. UniCredit is also seeking approval to potentially increase its stake in the bank, part of CEO Andrea Orcel's strategy to acquire a major German lender. The move is fueling speculation that UniCredit is preparing to make a move in the German market.
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Hot Forecast for EUR/USD on September 12, 2024

The slowdown in inflation in the United States turned out to be more significant than even the most optimistic forecasts, yet the situation in the currency market remained unchanged. Almost immediately after it was revealed that the consumer price growth rate had slowed from 2.9% to 2.5%, major media outlets began focusing on core inflation, particularly in its monthly measure rather than the annual one. Core inflation increased by 0.3%. Although the U.S. central bank never mentions this indicator and is thus largely insignificant, the media started claiming that the Federal Reserve will slowly lower interest rates because of core inflation. As a result, the media frenzy somewhat balanced out the actual data, leaving the market in its previous position.

Today, all eyes are on the European Central Bank's board meeting. The market has long been prepared for the refinancing rate to be lowered from 4.25% to 4.00%, so this fact will not affect investor sentiment. Everything will depend on the statements ECB President Christine Lagarde may make during the subsequent press conference, particularly regarding the central bank's future actions. The market is concerned only with the pace of monetary policy easing at least until the end of this year. If the head of the ECB announces even one more rate cut, it will substantially boost the U.S. dollar, allowing it to continue strengthening its position.

The EUR/USD pair reached the 1.1000 level during high volatility, but no significant changes occurred. The volume of short positions on the euro decreased again, leading to stagnation within the upper deviation of the psychological range of 1.1000/1.1050.

In the four-hour chart, the RSI technical indicator is moving in the lower 30/50 area, indicating bearish sentiment among market participants.

Regarding the Alligator indicator in the same time frame, the moving average lines point downwards, aligning with the price movement's direction.

Expectations and Prospects
For the next stage of decline, the price needs to stabilize below the 1.1000 mark. However, this will only shift the support level locally to the lower region of the psychological level. Until then, traders are likely to consider a scenario of stagnation or a price rebound from the psychological level. A significant increase in long positions on the euro is possible if the price stabilizes above the 1.1050 mark.

The complex indicator analysis points to a price rebound in the short term, while indicators focused on a downward cycle in the intraday period.
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EUR spreading its wings

By the end of this week, the euro has regained confidence and managed to recoup some of its earlier losses. While the euro has once again found bullish momentum and showed an uptrend, it has not managed to dethrone the US dollar.

Nevertheless, the euro has recouped earlier losses and is aiming for new heights. The euro's rise was aided by the ECB's decision to cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point in response to declining inflation in the eurozone and growing concerns about a possible economic slowdown in the reurozone. On Thursday, September 12, the ECB cut the key interest rate by 60 basis points, down to 3.65%. Analysts noted that this is the second rate cut in the past three months, following the first reduction by 25 basis points in June, the first since 2019. The deposit rate was also lowered by 25 basis points to 3.5%, and the marginal lending rate was slashed by 60 basis points to 3.9%.

Thursday's decision to reduce the ECB's base deposit rate came amid expectations that the Federal Reserve would begin lowering borrowing costs next week. Time will tell how accurate these expectations are. The ECB's rate cuts have been closely linked to inflation in the eurozone, which slowed to a three-year low of 2.2% in August. In July, this figure stood at 2.6%. A drop in industrial output in Germany and Italy has raised concerns about a potential slowdown in the eurozone economy after a brief period of growth recorded in early 2024.

Domestic inflation in eurozone countries remains high as wages continue to rise at an accelerated pace. However, pressure on labor costs is easing, and profits are partially offsetting the impact of higher wages on inflation, according to the ECB. The central bank's latest report included both hawkish and dovish remarks. On one hand, the ECB stated that financing conditions remain restrictive and economic activity is low. On the other hand, changes were noted, as policymakers revised their inflation forecasts upward. Many experts defined this approach as hawkish.

Current macroeconomic data on inflation in the EU aligns with expectations and confirms previous ECB forecasts. It is expected that average inflation in the eurozone will be 2.5% in 2024, 2.2% in 2025, and 1.9% in 2026. The ECB's Governing Council is committed to ensuring inflation returns to the target of 2% in a timely manner. To achieve this, the ECB plans to keep rates "sufficiently restrictive" for as long as needed.

Against this backdrop, the EUR/USD pair exhibited mixed dynamics, sometimes stalling and then slightly retreating. Following the ECB's rate decision, the pair's momentum shifted upward. As a result, the euro made notable gains, slightly pushing back the dollar. On Friday, September 13, the EUR/USD pair was trading around 1.1082, having regained a significant portion of its losses and aiming for new peaks. The single currency has since strived to maintain the stability it gained after the ECB's decision.

In its updated quarterly forecasts, the ECB expects the region's economy to grow by 0.8% in 2024, slightly below the June estimate of 0.9%, experts highlight. Furthermore, the ECB also revised its 2025 GDP growth forecast down to 1.3% from 1.4%. The reason, according to ECB representatives, is "weaker domestic demand in the coming quarters." The central bank also maintained its inflation forecast for this year at 2.5%, and for next year at 2.2%.

According to Christine Lagarde, the ECB president, there is a "mixed picture on inflation" in the eurozone, which continues to be driven by rising wages, despite easing pressure on labor costs. "Importantly, the ECB's track record for predicting inflation growth is limited. Therefore, the regulator wants to be certain about the accuracy of its decisions before proceeding with more aggressive rate cuts," analysts at ING assert.

Currently, the recovery of the European economy faces unfavorable factors. In this context, easing monetary policy restrictions should support the economy, Lagarde believes. According to the ECB president, the key upward risks for inflation are wages, profits, and trade tensions. September inflation data will likely be low, but inflation could rise again in the fourth quarter of 2024, the ECB forecasts.

In the current situation, currency strategists at Morgan Stanley expect quarterly deposit rate cuts of 25 basis points through the end of 2025. If this scenario plays out, the rate will drop to 2.25% by the end of next year, experts note. This scenario could weaken the euro and strengthen the dollar, Morgan Stanley adds. Continued pressure on the EUR/USD pair could threaten the euro's dynamics, potentially bringing it to parity with the dollar.
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Indexes surge as Adobe falls, Boeing slumps: How is this possible?

Stock indices in positive territory
The main U.S. stock market indices ended the trading session on Friday higher. Investors focused on the possibility of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, which could be announced as early as next week. Small-cap stocks, whose profitability is especially sensitive to changes in monetary policy, looked particularly confident against the backdrop of these expectations.

Chances of a big cut are growing
Expectations regarding the size of the upcoming Fed rate cut have fluctuated throughout the week. By the end of Friday, the chances of a 50 basis point cut had increased significantly: if at the beginning of the week this scenario was estimated at 28%, then on Thursday it almost doubled to 49%, according to CME FedWatch data. At the same time, the probability of a more cautious step - a 25 basis point rate cut - remained at 51%.

Experts' opinion: 50 basis points is a real possibility
One of the respected experts, former head of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Bill Dudley, spoke out in favor of a significant easing of the Fed's policy. He emphasized that the situation really is conducive to a rate cut of 50 basis points, noting this in his statement on Thursday evening.

At the same time, analysts such as Jim Baird of Plante Moran Financial Advisors note that the Fed is under pressure. At the meeting scheduled for September 18, a difficult decision will be considered - to go for more aggressive easing of monetary policy or to choose a more cautious path.

Small Caps Riding a Wave of Optimism
In stock markets on Friday, renewed hopes for a big rate cut gave confidence to large companies. But the biggest optimism was seen among smaller companies, reflected in the Russell 2000, which soared 2.5% in a day and is up 4.4% for the week.

Investors Bet on Improvement, Not a Crisis
Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors, said the rise in small-cap stocks reflects investors' belief that a 50 basis point rate cut does not signal an imminent economic downturn. "If the market had viewed the Fed's actions as a belated attempt to prevent a recession, we would not have seen the rally in risk assets like small caps," Baird said.

Risks Don't Frighten - Market Is Growing
Baird also added that the rise in riskier stocks is indicative of market sentiment: "We've seen significant gains in the riskiest areas of the stock market today."

According to Jason Pride, head of investment strategy at Glenmede, Friday's strong rally was largely due to comments from former New York Federal Reserve Chairman Bill Dudley. His comments about the possibility of a 50 basis point rate cut were a key driver for investors.

Consumer sentiment is also improving
However, according to a survey released Friday, US consumer sentiment improved in September. The decline in inflation has contributed to this optimism, although Americans remain cautious in their outlook for the future ahead of the November presidential election.

Dow, S&P and Nasdaq on the rise

The main US stock market indexes ended the trading session with gains on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 297.01 points, or 0.72%, to end at 41,393.78. The S&P 500 rose 30.26 points, or 0.54%, to end at 5,626.02. The Nasdaq Composite also showed strong gains, rising 114.30 points, or 0.65%, to end at 17,683.98.

New Two-Week Highs
All three major indexes ended the day near their two-week highs, underscoring the overall optimism in the market. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 4.02%, while the Nasdaq rose an impressive 5.95%, marking their best weekly performance since early November. The Dow was also up 2.60% for the week.

Adobe, Boeing Slip on Corporate News
Despite the overall positive sentiment, not all companies posted gains. Adobe shares ended the day down 8.5%. Investors were disappointed by the Photoshop maker's forecast for lower fourth-quarter profit than analysts had expected.

Boeing shares were also under pressure, falling 3.7%. This happened amid a strike by workers at a plant on the West Coast of the United States, who refused to accept an offered contract, thereby halting production.

Chinese giant PDD Holdings under pressure due to US measures
Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings fell 2.4%. This fall was caused by the news that the Biden administration is introducing new restrictions on duty-free imports of low-value goods into the United States. These measures could affect products that are imported at a reduced value - below the $800 threshold set by the "de minimis" rule.

Markets Hold Back Growth Amid Corporate Risks
The index gains couldn't completely hide the problems of individual companies. However, ending the week with such a strong performance shows high levels of investor confidence in the near term.

Uber Shares Surge on Waymo Partnership
Uber shares soared 6.4% after the company announced a partnership with Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving division. As part of the partnership, Uber plans to launch a self-driving service in cities such as Austin, Texas, and Atlanta. This is a major step for Uber in developing autonomous technology, which has sparked enthusiasm among investors.

Stocks Rise Optimism
On the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the vast majority of companies showed gains. The number of stocks that showed positive dynamics outnumbered those that ended the day in the red by a ratio of 5.54 to 1. The stock exchange recorded 653 new highs and only 27 lows, indicating significant optimism among market participants.

The picture is similar on the Nasdaq: growth stocks outnumbered decliners by a ratio of 3.19 to 1, with 116 new yearly highs and 54 lows. The S&P 500 also recorded 60 new 52-week highs and only one new low.

Trading volumes remain high
US stock markets saw 10.15 billion stock trades during the session, slightly below the average for the past 20 trading days (10.78 billion). However, this indicates high activity among market participants in anticipation of the most important economic events of the week.

The Fed is on the verge of a decision: is a rate cut coming?
After 30 months of tight monetary policy aimed at containing inflation that has accelerated since the pandemic, the US Federal Reserve is preparing for a long-awaited easing. The market is expecting interest rate cuts this week, and the big question is how drastic the move will be.

China and the US: Market-moving news
Add to that the tensions on the international stage: Saturday's weak economic data from China, and Sunday's announcement of an FBI investigation into a second assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, set the stage for a week of news that will be key to future US economic policy.

Investors are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Fed meeting, as its decision could have a significant impact on stock market action and sentiment.

Expectations rise: Rate could fall by 50 basis points
Investors are focused on growing speculation that the Federal Reserve will announce a 50 basis point rate cut at its meeting on Wednesday, rather than a more cautious 25 basis points. The increased attention to this scenario is due to media reports last week that hinted at a possible policy reversal. Despite the fact that Fed officials are keeping a "quiet mode" ahead of the important meeting, this has not stopped the market from actively discussing and predicting.

Global markets remain calm, but the US is preparing for growth
Global markets were quiet on Monday, partly because trading floors in Japan and mainland China were closed for holidays. However, in the US, the dynamics of the end of last week, when Wall Street indices came close to their record levels, continued to have an impact. Stock futures showed strong gains, with small companies reflected in Russell 2000 index futures particularly strong.

Fed at a crossroads: investors await easing
Fed rate futures are currently pricing in a 40 basis point easing. Moreover, the chances of a 50 basis point rate cut are estimated at more than 60%. Equally important, markets are already pricing in further rate cuts, up to 120 basis points by the end of the year, which could be an important signal about the regulator's upcoming decisions.

Treasury bonds and the dollar under pressure
Short-term Treasury yields have shown a noticeable decline, falling below 3.55% for the first time in two years. This has led to a significant compression of the yield curve between the two-year and ten-year bonds, with the gap reaching its most positive value since June 2022, at almost 9 basis points. Such dynamics have also put pressure on the dollar, which began the week weaker, as it bore the brunt of the decline in yields.

The market is frozen in anticipation of the key event of the week — the Federal Reserve's decision. If the Fed decides to ease policy more aggressively, this could set a new direction for further market movement.

The dollar is losing ground amid expectations of rate cuts
The US dollar continues to decline amid speculation around the upcoming Fed decision. The dollar index (DXY) fell sharply, again approaching its lowest levels in a year. Investors are still focused on the likelihood of significant monetary easing, which is putting pressure on the American currency.

Emerging market currencies are growing and the yen is strengthening
The MSCI Emerging Market Currency Index added 0.25%, reaching a record high. Amid the weakening dollar, other currencies are gaining support. Thus, the Japanese yen strengthened to 140 per dollar for the first time since July 2022, amid expectations of a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan. This move highlights the growing differences in the monetary policies of the world's leading economies.

Sterling rises on BoE decision expectations
Sterling also rose, with investors speculating that the Bank of England may hesitate to make a second rate cut this year when it meets on Thursday. Uncertainty is heightened by expectations for the first budget of the new UK Labour government, due to be announced next month.

Weak industrial production and retail sales
Economic data from China over the weekend adds to the pessimism about the country's economy. Industrial production growth slowed to a five-month low in August, while retail sales and new house prices also fell short of expectations, strengthening the case for more aggressive government stimulus measures that experts say are still insufficient.

5% growth target under threat
Weak data not only dampens investor expectations, but also makes China's 5% growth target more difficult to achieve. Bank lending figures released on Friday also came in below forecasts, further highlighting the weakness of domestic demand and the need for more economic support from the authorities.

Amid a weakening dollar, global markets are showing mixed dynamics. On the one hand, the US currency is losing ground, giving other players an opportunity to strengthen, while on the other hand, economic worries from China are adding uncertainty to the global picture. Investors continue to closely monitor developments, awaiting decisions by the central banks of the world's leading economies.

Hang Seng shows growth despite global trends
On Monday, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index showed growth despite the general weakening of global markets. At the same time, the offshore yuan strengthened against the weaker US dollar, which supported the positive dynamics on Asian markets. Amid global uncertainty, China and Hong Kong continue to show signs of resilience, which inspires optimism in investors awaiting further actions by the authorities to support the economy.

Secret Service Thwarts Trump Assassination Attempt
Political tensions in the United States are heating up as the presidential election approaches. Over the weekend, the Secret Service foiled an assassination attempt on Donald Trump while he was playing golf in West Palm Beach, Florida. The FBI called it an apparent assassination attempt on the former president.

Kamala Harris Is the Favorite Amid TV Debates
After the recent TV debates, Trump has fallen significantly behind Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the betting markets. Harris, albeit by a slim margin, remains the favorite to win the upcoming November election, which could have a significant impact on the country's future economic and political prospects.

European Stock Exchanges Quiet
European stock markets were relatively stable on Monday. Indexes were little changed, reflecting the general mood of investors awaiting important economic and political decisions.

Rexel Shares Soar After Deal Rejected
Despite the calm in the markets, the news of the deal has attracted the attention of investors. Shares of the French company Rexel, listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, jumped 12.6% after it was announced on Sunday that it had rejected a $9.4 billion takeover offer from QXO, headed by famous billionaire Brad Jacobs. The deal demonstrated a high valuation of the French business, which has attracted keen interest from traders.

Global markets continue to be in a state of anticipation, reacting to political and economic events. From assassination attempts on Trump to important corporate deals, events are moving quickly. Meanwhile, Asian markets are showing optimism amid a weaker dollar, and Europe remains stable.
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Intel heads higher as federal grants give stocks a boost

Investors weigh Fed moves, market reacts unevenly
US stocks were mixed on Monday, with the S&P 500 posting small gains while the Nasdaq slipped significantly as Big Tech stocks slid. Investors turned their attention to the upcoming US Federal Reserve meeting, where they are expected to decide on an interest rate hike.

Tech is on the retreat
The tech sector, which has been the leader in the S&P 500 all year, suffered the biggest losses. The S&P tech index lost 0.95%, the biggest decline among all 11 major sectors on the day.

A major contributor to the decline was Apple, whose shares fell 2.78%. This led to significant weakness in both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite. The reason for this decline was the forecasts of analysts at TF International Securities, who reported weaker-than-expected demand for the new iPhone 16 lineup.

Chipmakers under pressure
Apple was not the only one feeling the negative market sentiment. Chipmakers also suffered. Nvidia, whose shares showed the best result in the S&P 500 for the year, lost 1.95%. Broadcom fell 2.19%, while Micron Technology fell 4.43%. This led to a 1.41% decline in the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index.

Investor Strategies: Quick Sells in Giant Stocks
Ken Polcari, chief market strategist at SlateStone Wealth, noted that tech giants are often the first choice for sale when investors need to raise capital quickly. "If people want to raise money quickly, they sell big companies like Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, or Microsoft. You can do it quickly and with minimal risk to your portfolio," Polcari explained.

Financials Frozen in Anticipation of Fed Decisions
Investors continue to watch the Federal Reserve's actions, expecting further monetary tightening to impact markets in the coming days.

Unstable Expectations Ahead of Fed Meeting
Markets are showing mixed results ahead of the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) decision. Investors are playing it safe, looking to protect their assets and prepare for possible changes in monetary policy.

"They want to have reserves to act in case of uncertainty related to the Fed's decision," experts comment.

Dow Jones rises and Nasdaq weakness
On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 228.30 points, which is equivalent to an increase of 0.55%, and reached 41,622.08. At this time, the S&P 500 also slightly increased by 0.13%, rising by 7.07 points to 5,633.09. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite suffered losses, falling by 91.85 points, or 0.52%, to 17,592.13.

Tech Sector Turns Down
Of the 11 key S&P 500 sectors, only tech and consumer discretionary posted negative dynamics. Tech stocks continued to slide under pressure, partly due to volatility amid expectations of the Fed decision. At the same time, financial companies rose by 1.22%, and the energy sector rose by 1.2%, leading the day's performance.

Betting on Fed Easing
Markets have shown positive dynamics since the beginning of the year, thanks to expectations that the Fed will ease its monetary policy. At the same time, economic indicators suggest that the US economy may be able to avoid a recession, adding to optimism among market participants.

The Dow Jones ended the day at a record high, while the S&P 500 index remains within 1% of its all-time high reached in July of this year.

Fed Rate Cut Forecasts
The market remains on hold for the outcome of Wednesday's Fed meeting. Expectations for a possible rate cut continue to fluctuate. The chance of a 50 basis point rate cut is now 59%, according to CME's FedWatch tool.

Intel Gets Government Support
Intel Corp shares soared 6.36% after a report said the company would receive $3.5 billion in federal support. The funds will be used to produce semiconductors for the U.S. Department of Defense. The news not only strengthened Intel's position in the market, but also became an important step in ensuring the country's national security through the development of the semiconductor industry.

Boeing Suspends Hiring Amid Strike
Meanwhile, Boeing shares fell 0.78%, which is due to the ongoing strike by the company's workers. The aircraft manufacturer said it will suspend hiring and consider temporary furloughs for current workers if the strike continues in the coming days. This creates additional difficulties for the company, which is already under pressure due to the difficult economic situation.

Investor confidence is growing
On the New York Stock Exchange, there is a significant advantage of stocks that showed growth over those that declined, with a ratio of 2.74 to 1. On the Nasdaq, the situation was also in favor of the "bulls", where advancing stocks outnumbered decliners by 1.17 times. These data highlight the overall optimism in the market, despite the negative impact of certain sectors.

New records amid expectations
The S&P 500 index recorded 88 new highs over the past 52 weeks and only one low, which indicates good investor sentiment. The Nasdaq Composite, in turn, showed 143 new highs and 83 new lows. These figures confirm that the markets continue to rise, despite the upcoming Fed decisions.

Trading activity is falling
Trading volume on U.S. stock markets amounted to 9.74 billion shares, which is slightly below the average of 10.75 billion shares over the past 20 trading days. The decline in activity can be explained by the expectation of the Federal Reserve meeting, the results of which may have a significant impact on the further movement of the market.

US indices under pressure from technology stocks
The technology sector continues to drag indices down, despite the overall growth in the market. At the same time, the US dollar reached its lowest level in more than a year in a pair with the Japanese yen, which is associated with increased expectations of easing monetary policy by the Fed at the upcoming meeting.

Expectations of interest rate cuts are growing
Investors and analysts are eagerly awaiting Wednesday, when the Federal Reserve will decide on interest rates. Expectations have increased: the Fed may cut rates by half a point, which is more than previously expected. This step is aimed at supporting the economy and preventing a sharp slowdown, while it is important to keep inflation under control and stabilize the labor market.

Markets watch Fed rhetoric
Kathleen Brooks, director of research at XTB, said market participants are focused less on the size of the rate cut and more on the rationale behind the Fed's actions.

"If a 50 basis point cut is accompanied by a statement of intent to provide a soft landing, that will be viewed positively by the market. However, if confidence weakens and signs of panic emerge, a sell-off may be inevitable," she said.

Dollar weakens amid market expectations
The dollar index, which tracks the dollar against six major currencies, was down 0.33% at 100.69. The dollar-yen pair was also under pressure, with the greenback down 0.13% at 140.63 yen. These fluctuations are related to expectations of a more accommodative Fed policy, which could lead to a further decline in yields on dollar assets.

Trump Media shares have lost their gains
News of a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, also attracted the attention of investors. On Sunday, shares of his company Trump Media & Technology initially rose in price, but by the end of the trading session on Monday they had fallen by more than 3%.

Restrictions on selling Trump Media shares will be lifted
The moratorium on selling Trump Media shares will be lifted over the next 10 days, which could add volatility to the market. However, Trump himself said on Friday that he does not plan to sell his shares, which could calm investors a little.

Hopes for easing monetary policy lift shares
In anticipation of a significant cut in the interest rate by the US Federal Reserve, shares continue to receive support, which is reflected in the growth of global indices. The MSCI All-World Index rose 0.20% to 828.55, confirming that optimism surrounding the Fed's actions has supported investor sentiment for months.

Bonds React to Market Expectations
Short-term U.S. Treasury yields hit their lowest in two years. Two-year yields, which are particularly sensitive to interest rate changes, fell 1.7 basis points on Monday, continuing a downward trend seen throughout September.

Longer-term bonds also fell. Ten-year yields fell for a second straight day, falling 3.1 basis points to 3.618% from 3.649% on Friday.

Rates and Probabilities: Traders Brace for Fed Decision
Traders are increasingly optimistic that the Fed will decide on a half-point rate cut at its meeting on Wednesday. Futures data showed the likelihood of that scenario rose to 59%, up from 30% a week earlier. Those expectations have changed sharply after media reports suggested more aggressive easing could be in the works.

Japan, UK central banks in focus
Other key central bank meetings are also in focus this week. The Bank of England and the Bank of Japan are set to discuss their next steps. The Bank of England is expected to leave interest rates on hold at 5.00% when it meets on Thursday. However, markets are still pricing in a further rate cut of 31%.

The Bank of Japan will announce its decisions on Friday. It is widely expected to keep rates on hold for now, but may hint at a possible tightening in October.

US data could have an impact
In addition to central bank moves, investors will be closely watching economic data from the US this week, including reports on retail sales and industrial production. These data could have a significant impact on the market, either strengthening or weakening expectations for the Fed's next steps.

Yen Strengthens as Bond Yields Fall
A decline in US Treasury yields supported the Japanese yen's strength against the dollar. The trend reflects investor caution as investors wait for the Fed to cut interest rates further. The euro also holds its own, remaining at $1.1200, thanks to expectations of a rate cut by the European Central Bank, which gives stability to the European currency.

Gold approaches record levels
Low borrowing rates have stimulated the growth of gold prices, which rose by 0.22%, reaching $2,582.39 per ounce. This level is approaching the historical maximum of $2,588.81, set earlier. The precious metal continues to attract investors as a safe asset amid uncertainty in global markets.

Oil prices on the rise after hurricane
Oil prices rose sharply amid the aftermath of Hurricane Francine, which led to a temporary halt of about 20% of oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. Restoring production will take some time, which caused an increase in the cost of oil on world markets.

Brent crude futures added $1.14, reaching $72.75 per barrel. US crude also rose, rising $1.44 to $70.09 a barrel. These changes could impact further energy price dynamics in the coming days.

Overall, the decline in bond yields, the strengthening yen and the rise in oil prices are indicative of current global economic trends, which are shaped by natural disasters and expectations of rate cuts from key central banks.
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IT giants on the rise: how Microsoft and Intel changed the picture against the backdrop of a stable S&P 500

Stock market froze in anticipation: investors prepare for the Fed's steps
US stock indices ended trading on Tuesday almost at the same level, giving up the previously reached heights that had earlier allowed the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average to update their historical maximums. The reason for such caution was the expectation of the first interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in 4.5 years.

S&P 500 rise and fresh economic data
During the trading session, the S&P 500 index briefly rose to 5670.81, which was facilitated by fresh data on the US economy. The data allayed fears of a sharp slowdown in the country's economy.

The Commerce Department reported that retail sales unexpectedly increased in August, despite a decline in auto dealership revenue. That decline was more than offset by a surge in online sales, which helped the economy remain stable for much of the third quarter.

The economy is growing, but not very fast
Russell Price, chief economist at Ameriprise Financial Services in Troy, Michigan, said expectations for the economy were fairly optimistic even before the latest data were released. He said the economy is growing, but growth remains relatively slow.

"Today's economic data confirms that we are in an expansionary environment, although it is not as fast as we would like," Price said.

Fears about inflation and the Fed's actions
Price added that the upcoming rate cut could have a dual effect. It will either increase inflation fears or raise new questions about whether the Fed's measures are fast and decisive enough to prevent a recession.

"Today's trading session shows a move away from historical highs, as tomorrow may bring disappointment for some investors," the expert concluded.

This day showed that the markets are in a state of anticipation: all attention is focused on the Federal Reserve's further actions and their possible impact on the US economy.

Mild changes, big expectations: Dow Jones slightly down, S&P and Nasdaq up
Trading on US stock exchanges on Tuesday ended with minimal changes: the Dow Jones Industrial Average index fell by 15.90 points (0.04%) to 41,606.18, and the S&P 500 rose by 1.49 points (0.03%) and reached 5,634.58. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite added 35.93 points, or 0.20%, to close at 17,628.06.

Investors are keeping a close eye on the Fed's decision
According to CME's FedWatch tool, the odds of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates by 50 basis points after its two-day meeting on Wednesday are now priced at 65% by the market. Just a week ago, the odds were just 34%, reflecting investor expectations fluctuating amid economic uncertainty.

Microsoft Strengthens Its Position
One of the key drivers of the S&P 500's gains was Microsoft's 0.88% gain in shares. The tech giant emerged victorious after its board approved a $60 billion share buyback program and raised its quarterly dividend by 10%. Such moves have bolstered investor confidence in the stability and future success of the AI leader.

Blue Chips and Russell 2000 in Focus
The Dow Jones, despite a slight decline, continued to surprise, with the index hitting intraday record highs for two days in a row. Meanwhile, the Russell 2000 index, which tracks small-cap companies, was the best performer among the major indices, gaining 0.74% for the session. The gain can be attributed to investors' expectations that the Federal Reserve's rate cut will favor smaller companies.

Energy Leads, Healthcare Stumbles
The energy sector of the S&P 500 was the best performer among the 11 major sectors, gaining 1.41%. This happened against the backdrop of rising oil prices, which spurred oil stocks. At the same time, health care was the day's loser, falling 1.01%, becoming the weakest sector in the index. Investors continue to watch equity markets cautiously as they weigh the chances of further Federal Reserve action and its possible impact on economic growth prospects.

Intel Strengthens Its Positions, Amazon Supports Growth
One of the key events on the stock market on Tuesday was the rise of Intel shares by 2.68%. This growth was due to the conclusion of an agreement with Amazon Web Services, a division of Amazon's cloud services, which became an Intel client for the production of individual chips used in the development of artificial intelligence. Amazon shares also showed positive dynamics, adding 1.08%.

The market is generally positive
Data on the results of trading on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq showed that the number of shares that rose in price exceeded the number of shares that fell in price. On the NYSE, this ratio was 1.55 to 1, and on Nasdaq - 1.25 to 1. This indicates the prevalence of positive sentiment among investors.

New Highs on the Back of Stable Trading Volume
The S&P 500 index showed 48 new 52-week highs, while not a single new low was recorded. The Nasdaq Composite saw more significant changes, with 147 new highs and 68 new lows. Total volume on U.S. exchanges was 10.23 billion shares, slightly below the 20-day average of 10.74 billion.

Labor Market Impact and Fed Rate Outlook
The labor market slowdown seen over the summer, as well as recent media reports, have raised expectations that the Federal Reserve will take more decisive action at its meeting on Wednesday. In particular, a 0.5% rate cut is looking increasingly likely as the Fed seeks to avoid weakening the economy.

Economic Data Suggests Caution
Meanwhile, the latest U.S. economic data showed that retail sales increased in August and factory activity began to recover again. These stronger numbers may ease the pressure for an aggressive rate cut, but the market is still looking for decisive action from the Fed.

Stock markets remain tense as investors weigh the impact of positive economic data on the Fed's likely actions to maintain economic stability.

Economy on the rise: Fed on the cusp of a major decision
"The current data points to a healthy economy," said Peter Cardillo, chief economist at Spartan Capital Securities. He expects Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to decide on a 25 basis point cut at his meeting on Wednesday. However, the Fed's next steps will depend on how the economy evolves, which Powell is likely to hint at in his speech.

Cautious steps or more aggressive policy?
Cardillo noted that the Fed may consider a more aggressive approach at future meetings, but will proceed with caution for now. "They will start with small steps, but they may take more decisive measures as they go along," the expert added.

Traders place bets on the Fed's decision
As they await the Fed's decision, markets continue to make predictions. According to CME Group's FedWatch tool, traders are pricing in a 63% chance that the Fed will cut rates by 50 basis points and a 37% chance that it will cut by 25 basis points.

Global indices and the dollar are stable
The MSCI All-World Index, which tracks global markets, showed a modest gain of 0.04%, reaching 828.72, reflecting stable sentiment in global stock markets ahead of the Fed's key decisions.

Meanwhile, the dollar strengthened against its major counterparts, rising 0.28% to 100.98 in a basket of currencies. The dollar also showed solid gains against the Japanese yen, rising 1.19% to 142.29.

Focus on the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan
It's not just the Fed that has investors' attention this week. The Bank of England and the Bank of Japan are also scheduled to meet to discuss their monetary policy. However, unlike the Fed, these regulators are expected to keep interest rates at current levels.

Disappointment is inevitable?
Russell Price, chief economist at Ameriprise Financial Services, commented on the current market sentiment. "Today's trading shows that we are on the brink of a major decision. Tomorrow, some investors are likely to face disappointment," Price said.

All eyes are on tomorrow's Fed meeting, which could set the tone for future economic developments both in the U.S. and globally.

U.S. Treasury yields rise
The yield on two-year U.S. Treasuries, a gauge of short-term interest rate expectations, rose 4.4 basis points to 3.5986%, after falling to a two-year low of 3.528% in the previous session. The 10-year yield also rose, rising 2.3 basis points to 3.644%, up from 3.621% late Monday.

China's economy remains a concern
Asian markets were weighed down by China's fragile economic recovery. The latest data released over the weekend showed industrial output growth slowed to a five-month low in August, while retail sales and new home prices continued to decline, adding uncertainty to the recovery picture in the region's largest economy.

Oil prices rise amid hurricane
Oil prices rose as the industry continues to analyze the impact of Hurricane Francine, which has affected oil production in the US Gulf of Mexico. US crude oil rose 1.57% to $71.19 per barrel. Brent crude ended the day at $73.7 per barrel, up 1.31%. The gains were due to uncertainty surrounding the recovery of oil production in the region following the natural disaster.

Gold slips after record gains
Despite spot gold hitting a record high on Monday, prices corrected lower on Tuesday. Gold fell 0.51% to $2,569.51 per ounce. The decline followed a strong rally earlier in the week, but gold remains an important indicator of market sentiment, reflecting demand for safe havens amid global uncertainty. Economic dynamics around the world, including the US and China, continue to impact markets, causing swings in bond yields, oil and gold prices.
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Surprise Reversal: Fed Cuts Rates, Markets Fall, Indexes Lose Ground

Volatile Trading Ends Down
US stock indexes closed with minor losses on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve unexpectedly cut interest rates by 50 basis points, the upper limit of expectations for the first rate change in four years. Investors were expecting the Fed's move, but their reactions to the decision were mixed.

Short-Term Market Fluctuations
The trading session was jittery. The S&P 500 had been moving up and down, showing little change, before the Fed's decision. After the rate cut was announced, the index rose 1%, but then weakened again and closed with losses. The Dow Jones index saw similar swings, reaching an intraday high, but then, like the S&P 500, ending the day lower.

The Fed is betting on inflation and the labor market
The Federal Reserve justified its decision by citing "high confidence" that inflation is moving toward its 2% target. The Fed's policy focus now is on maintaining the resilience of the labor market, which remains the focus of economists. The half-percentage-point rate cut was a key step in that direction.

"The Fed has signaled that they are serious about cutting rates by 50 basis points and will likely continue to do so through the end of the year," said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management in Wisconsin. In his opinion, such a move indicates the Fed's intention to stabilize the unemployment rate at 4.4% and return inflation to target levels.

Market expectations: from 25 to 50 basis points
Over the past few days, markets have been unable to decide on the forecasts for the size of the rate cut. According to the FedWatch tool from CME, the probability of a 25 basis point cut was estimated at 65% last week. However, by the time the Fed's decision was announced on Wednesday, the probability of a larger 50 basis point cut had already reached 57%.

Minor losses amid expectations of rate cuts
US stock indices ended trading in the red. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 103.08 points, which amounted to 0.25%, ending the day at 41,503.10. The S&P 500 lost 16.32 points, or 0.29%, to close at 5,618.26. The Nasdaq Composite also lost ground, losing 54.76 points, or 0.31%, to 17,573.30.

Markets Betting on More Rate Cuts
Investors in the market are already bracing for the Federal Reserve to cut rates by at least 25 basis points at its November meeting. In fact, analysts are predicting a 35% chance that the Fed could cut rates by as much as 50 basis points.

Markets Hunger for More
"What amazes me is that even when markets get what they think they want, their appetites continue to grow," said Steve Sosnick, chief market strategist at Interactive Brokers in Connecticut. He points out that despite expectations, stocks are not showing significant growth after the news, which may be due to the fact that the good news is already partially priced in after the previous seven-day rally.

Historically high borrowing costs
Recall that the cost of borrowing in the US has reached record levels in the last two decades, starting in July 2023, when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to a range of 5.25% to 5.50% to combat inflation. This was the latest increase in a series of Fed decisions aimed at slowing inflationary pressures.

Fed Chairman's statement: No urgency to act
After the latest rate cut, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell noted that there is no immediate need for urgent action. This statement indicates a more cautious approach to further changes in monetary policy, which signals a stabilization of the pace of rate cuts.

Small Caps Take the Lead
Small-cap stocks, traditional winners in a low-interest-rate environment, showed solid gains. The Russell 2000 index, which tracks such stocks, rose 2.44% on the day, though it ended the day with a modest gain of 0.04%. That performance allowed it to outperform the larger-cap indices.

Regional banks gain strength
Regional banks, which have been under pressure from high interest rates in recent times, have also shown a recovery. The KBW index, which tracks their activity, jumped 3.53% during trading and ended the session with a gain of 0.46%. This growth shows that banks are adapting to changing market conditions.

Records as the economy stabilizes
Stock markets have shown significant gains in 2023, with all three key indices reaching record highs. Lower inflation and signs of a cooling labor market have inspired confidence that the period of high interest rates may gradually end, supporting optimism among investors.

Intuitive Machines shares soar 38% after NASA contract
One of the market's top gainers was Intuitive Machines, which rose an impressive 38.3%. The jump came after the announcement of a $4.8 billion contract with NASA to provide navigation services for space missions, boosting investor interest.

Market Balance: Stocks Advancing Outperform
On the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), advancers outpaced decliners by a 1.14-to-1 ratio, while on the Nasdaq the ratio was 1.36-to-1, showing that positive sentiment remains despite volatility.

Record Performances for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq
The S&P 500 has posted 43 new highs over the past 52 weeks and no new lows. The Nasdaq Composite has been even more impressive, with 165 new highs and 69 new lows, underscoring investor confidence in the upside.

Trading volume exceeded average
Trading activity on US exchanges was also above average. The volume of transactions amounted to 11.63 billion shares, which is higher than the average of 10.82 billion shares over the past 20 trading days.

Unexpected rate cut
The US central bank went for a more significant cut in the overnight rate than expected, reducing it by 0.5%, as opposed to the traditional 0.25%. This decision is based on the regulator's confidence that inflation will continue to move towards the target level of 2%. The new rate, which determines how much banks pay each other for short-term loans, is now in the range of 4.75%-5.00%, which is in line with market expectations.

Stock market reaction: short-term growth
After the Federal Reserve's announcement, the S&P 500 index initially rose by 1%, but then lost momentum and ended the day 0.29% lower, stopping at 5618.26. The move shows that despite investors' positive expectations, the market is not ready for a sharp rally.

Seven-day rally — the effect has been priced in
"While markets got what they wanted, stocks have yet to see a significant rally. After seven straight days of gains, a lot of the positive news has already been priced in," said Steve Sosnick, chief market strategist at Interactive Brokers. His comment underscores the sentiment among market participants who may have expected more from the rate cuts.

Record rates amid slowing inflation
The overnight rate was at its highest since July 2023, when the Fed continued to fight inflation with rate hikes. That made borrowing costs the highest in two decades, putting pressure on both consumers and businesses.

Global markets also felt pressure
The MSCI World Equity Index hit a new high during the session but was unable to hold on, falling 0.29% to 826.29, reflecting the global reaction to the Fed's move and uncertainty about where markets are headed.

The dollar rose slightly after weakening
The dollar index, which tracks the value of the US currency against major global currencies such as the yen and euro, initially weakened on the news of the rate cut. However, it later strengthened slightly, rising 0.07% to 100.98, reflecting volatility in currency markets and investors' eagerness to adapt to the new monetary policy.

Investors await further developments
While the Federal Reserve's actions were in line with expectations for many market participants, the reaction to the rate cut was muted, indicating that investors are still weighing the longer-term implications and potential future moves by the regulator.
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