Last week marked a change in the tide for the U.S. stock market, as it broke a three-week streak of losses in the midst of a volatile environment. The week saw notable events, including Nvidia’s earnings report and an eagerly awaited speech by Federal Reserve Chief Jerome Powell at the annual Jackson Hole symposium in Wyoming.
However, the week ahead looms with challenges as investors brace themselves for a series of crucial economic indicators. The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, coupled with the latest monthly employment report, will likely shape the trajectory of the market. These reports hold the key to whether recent gains can be sustained, amid the “cloudy skies” of uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook.
Powell’s speech indicated the central bank’s readiness to raise interest rates further, but he also acknowledged the uncertainty around the necessity of additional rate hikes. This uncertainty stems from the lingering effects of the monetary tightening over the past year and a half, making the path forward a complex one.
Analysts liken Powell’s situation to a mountain climber pausing to catch their breath on the way up. The Federal Open Market Committee is currently grappling with whether they’ve reached the peak of their efforts to manage inflation or if there’s more ground to cover.
The week featured Nvidia’s robust earnings, driven by a surge in revenue from generative AI. However, both Nvidia’s results and Powell’s speech seemed to fall in line with expectations, causing relatively muted reactions from the typically active August Wall Street.
Despite the week’s mixed bag of events, the U.S. stock market ended with gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped by 0.5%, while the S&P 500 rose by 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed by 2.3% over the week.
Looking forward, with the second-quarter earnings season winding down, attention turns to upcoming economic data that could shed light on the resilience of the U.S. economy. The September 19-20 policy meeting of the Federal Reserve is also in focus, with investors awaiting signals regarding potential further interest rate hikes.
This week’s reports on the job market, including the July Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and the August ADP National Employment Report, will be closely watched. The Labor Department’s August nonfarm-payrolls report, due on Friday, will take center stage.
As the market navigates uncertain waters, the path ahead remains uncertain. Investors are seeking that elusive “Goldilocks scenario” of slowed but not stalling economic growth. Any economic data stronger than expected could be met with caution from the market.
The focus on the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index underscores Powell’s emphasis. While the recent lower core inflation readings were promising, building confidence in sustained downward inflation movement requires more than just a couple of months’ data.
In summary, the U.S. stock market faced a rollercoaster week, leaving investors on their toes. The upcoming reports and indicators will shape the market’s next moves, and while uncertainty prevails, experts remain watchful for any signs of stability or shifts.
