Stocks rallied across the board, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all posting gains after weak Producer Price Index (PPI) inflation data. The technology sector led the charge as the first of two closely watched inflation reports came in weaker than expected.
Nasdaq Composite Index | As of August 13 2024
The softer producer price data has fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve might opt for a larger interest rate cut in September. Traders are now increasingly betting on a half-point rate cut instead of the previously anticipated quarter-point reduction. Concerns about a potential slowdown in the U.S. economy are driving these expectations.
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Upcoming economic reports, including tomorrow’s consumer price report and Thursday’s retail sales data, will be critical in assessing the overall health of the economy. These reports will provide further insights into whether the Federal Reserve will take a more aggressive approach to rate cuts.
In 2Q, #TeamDow delivered sequential earnings improvement & our 3rd consecutive quarter of YoY volume growth.
While the pace of global economic recovery has been slower than expected, it is improving, and our diverse portfolio & financial flexibility drove sustained growth. $DOW pic.twitter.com/zjI0ZP7lB5
— Jim Fitterling (@JimFitterling) July 25, 2024
In addition to stock market movements, energy markets and gold prices have shown sensitivity to rising tensions in the Middle East. Oil prices spiked yesterday on fears that Iran might attack Israel, but futures pared those gains on Tuesday.
Overall, the weaker PPI data has significantly influenced market sentiment, with traders now eyeing the possibility of a more substantial rate cut to support the slowing economy.
Japanese Stock Rally Lifts Asia Amid Anticipation Of Key U.S. Inflation Data
