HFMarkets (hfm.com): New market analysis services.

[HFM]

Date: 28th August 2024.


Market News – European Stocks Higher After Another Range-Bound Session in Asia.


Asia & European Sessions:


* European stocks were poised for modest gains as investors awaited Nvidia Corp.’s earnings report for insights into the growth trajectory of AI-related stocks. Euro Stoxx 50 futures increased by 0.1%, suggesting a muted opening for European shares, while US stock futures remained steady during Asian trading.
* Asian equities fluctuated within narrow ranges due to weak corporate earnings in China.
* Hong Kong dropped as much as 1.6%, while mainland stocks fell to their lowest levels since early February. Shares of Nongfu Spring Co., a bottled water manufacturer, plummeted by up to 13% as in China sectors like materials, tech, construction, automotive, and others face significant downside risks.
* Nvidia is expected to report Q2 adjusted earnings of 65 cents per share on $28.74 billion in revenue, more than double what it earned in the same quarter last year, according to FactSet. Nvidia’s revenue has tripled annually over the past three quarters, driven primarily by the data center business. Demand for generative AI products, which can generate documents, create images, and serve as personal assistants, has significantly boosted sales of Nvidia’s specialized chips over the past year. However, Wall Street is keen on signs of any slowdown in AI demand.


Financial Markets Performance:


* The Yen extended its losses against the US Dollar, to 144.595 following comments from Bank of Japan’s Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino. Himino stated that the BOJ would raise interest rates as long as inflation aligns with the bank’s outlook and emphasized the need for close monitoring of developments.
* Bitcoin fell below $60,000 as part of a broader cryptocurrency market decline, including a sharp drop in Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency.
USOil rem* ained steady after a previous session’s decline, ending a 3-day rally. USOIL is under $75. The API projected that nationwide inventories fell by 3.4 million barrels last week, which would mark the 8th decline in nine weeks if confirmed by official data later today. Crude oil has experienced volatility in recent sessions, with recent declines following a rally near the 200-DMA. Political risks in the Middle East and potential supply disruptions from Libya have supported recent gains, but a broadly bearish outlook has led major Wall Street banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to lower their price forecasts for next year.
* Gold retreated after a 3-day climb that brought it closer to its all-time high.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 27th August 2024.


Market News – Stocks mixed; Big Tech pulled down; Oil unchanged amid supply concerns.


Asia & European Sessions:


* US: Some steam came out of Friday’s rally as Treasuries and Wall Street corrected from overbought conditions. The bond market had already priced in at least a -25 bp rate cut on September 18, though yields dropped further following Chair Powell’s confirmation. With little on the docket until Thursday’s claims data, the market gave back some of its gains. There was also a little concession building ahead of the start of the $183 bln in auctions.
* The S&P500 rose to 5651 in early action, but failed to test the record high of 5667 from July 16. The NASDAQ slumped -0.85% on profit taking ahead of Nvidia earnings Wednesday. The Dow was up 0.16%.
* Several technology companies tip the market because of their big values. Nvidia lost 2.2%, Microsoft fell 0.8%, Amazon dropped 0.9%, Meta Platforms slid 1.3% and Tesla lost 3.2%.
* China: Industrial profit data for China was robust, but mainland China bourses still struggled, while the Hang Seng managed slight gains.
* Europe: The Stoxx Europe 600 climbed 0.3% at the open, DAX and FTSE 100 are currently up 0.1% and 0.4% respectively. The UK is catching up after the extended holiday weekend.
* German data confirmed that GDP contracted -0.1% q/q in the second quarter and GfK consumer confidence data unexpectedly declined, which coupled with deteriorating business confidence flags recession risks.


Financial Markets Performance:


* The USDIndex index is at 100.85.
* EURUSD and Cable are consolidating but remain at high levels at currently 1.116 and 1.319 respectively. Both flagged that monetary policy will have to remain restrictive for the time being. That won’t prevent additional rate cuts, but highlights that central banks will move cautiously.
* USOil closed with a 2.9% pop to $77.04 after news Libya was shutting supply added to the bullish impact of increasing tensions in the Middle East.
* Gold firmed to $2509 per ounce on geopolitical risks and rate cut prospects.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 26th August 2024.


Market News – FED: “The time has come for policy to adjust”.


This year’s Jackson Hole central banker symposium provided the opportunity for Fed Chair Powell to set the policy course for the FOMC, looking to join the other core central banks already in rate cutting mode. The markets got a big boost after he confirmed the FOMC will begin lowering rates on September 18.


The question on size could be answered by upcoming jobs numbers.


* Europe & UK: The ECB is also likely to reduce rates again next month, while the BoE’s Bailey sounded a more cautious tone. Like the ECB, the BoE seems more likely to stick to meetings with updated projections and detailed analysis, which would mean the BoE will sit out the next meeting and move again in November.
* Japan: Governor Ueda signaled the BoJ remains on its normalization course, but a hike as soon as September 20 seems unlikely.


Asia & European Sessions:


* Asian stock markets have shown mixed performance so far today, with the Hang Seng rising more than 1%, while Japanese markets corrected as the Yen rallied.
* Japan’s Nikkei 225 index dropped by 1.1%, reaching 37,944.68. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 1.0% to 17,786.31. Shanghai Composite index slightly declined by 0.1% to 2,852.34. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.7% to 8,076.10.
* European stock markets are mostly lower, with the DAX currently posting a loss of -0.2%. UK markets are closed for a holiday.
* The Dow climbed 1.1% to 41,175.08, surpassing the 41,000 mark for the first time since July.


Financial Markets Performance:


* The USDIndex saw a session low of 100.53 after plunging on Friday. It is currently trading at 100.41.
* EUR and Sterling have benefited from dovish Fed bets and the correction in the Dollar. The EURUSD pulled back from 1.1200 and is currently at 1.1177. The GBPUSD broke key resistance at 1.31 and is retesting 1.3200 currently.
* The Yen outperformed, and rallied against most currencies.t is currently settled at 143.43.
* USOil spiked to $75.28. Safe-haven buying due to increasing tensions in the Middle East, alongside bets on the Fed, contributed to market movements. Oil prices rose 0.7% as the region prepared for further conflict following an Israeli strike on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
* Gold recovered to $2524.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 23rd August 2024.

Market News – The Big Day!

* Profit taking was seen ahead of Chair Powell’s comments today, weighing on Treasuries and Wall Street as some of the aggressive Fed rate cuts bets were trimmed further.
* US economic data showed mixed results, with growth relying more on the service sector as manufacturing slows. A better than expected S&P Global services print, a bounce in new home sales, and cautious comments from several Fed officials from Jackson Hole were the catalysts for the selloff.
* The Yen rose after BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda hinted at potential interest rate hikes, reaffirming the BOJ’s stance if economic data aligns with forecasts. This follows concerns after the BOJ’s July rate hike caused a global equity selloff. Japanese inflation data exceeded expectations, supporting the Yen as well.
* Focus on Powell’s Speech: Traders are awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech for clues on potential rate cuts. Some have been warning that the event risk is that Powell will be more cautious than markets are now expecting, which could weigh on the Euro and Sterling in particular.

Asia & European Sessions:

* Wall Street tumbled, with losses accelerating into the close. The NASDAQ finished with a -1.67% plunge, while the S&P500 was -0.89% lower, and the Dow was down -0.43%.
* Asian equities were mixed, with Chinese shares helping to erase earlier losses. Global stocks were volatile, with declines in Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, and the US.
* Alibaba’s Hong Kong listing upgrade was approved, which is expected to attract significant investment. However, Chinese tech stocks like NetEase, Baidu, and Bilibili fell due to weak earnings.

Financial Markets Performance:

* The USDIndex has extended its declines, falling to 100.93. The buck has not closed with a 100 handle since April 2022.
* EURUSD has inched down to 1.1130 after drifting to 1.1097, but is still near the highest level in a year. Sterling outperformed and Cable rallied to 1.3120 after strong PMI data. The USDJPY is trading at 145.27 (S1) after a broader correction in the Yen.
* USOil steadied between 72.58-72.94.
* Gold has inched down to $2470 per ounce and still holds below the $2500 level.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 22nd August 2024.

Market News – Eyes on Euro, Stock Markets in Green, But Cautioness Prevails Ahead of Fed & BoJ.

FOMC minutes showed that the Fed was on the verge of cutting rates at the July 31 meeting, and the report sets up a reduction in rates with the September 18 decision. Expectations were further reinforced by the BLS’s downward revisions to Nonfarm payrolls.

* Treasury yields tumbled on the payroll revision and were down further after the FOMC minutes, but closed off their lows in a bull flattening trade.
* Wall Street bounced back marginally, looking to start another win streak after the modest declines Tuesday prevented a ninth straight gain in the S&P500, which would have been the longest since 2004.
* European stock markets are slightly higher in early trade, after a largely stronger close across Asia. The Nikkei closed 0.7% higher, the Hang Seng bounced 1.2%, after yesterday’s correction. Gains in Europe are more modest, with DAX and FTSE 100 up 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.
* The NASDAQ rose 0.57%, with the SP500 up 0.42%, while the Dow was 0.13% higher.
* The VIX jumped 2.86% to 16.87.
* Eurozone Composite PMI unexpectedly bounced back in the preliminary reading for August. The Manufacturing PMI still declined to an 8-month low and Services index outperformed. Confidence levels have dropped to the lowest so far this year and are below the “series average.” So the improvement in the headline doesn’t necessarily signal a rebound in overall activity, and the numbers are unlikely to prevent the doves at the ECB from pushing for another rate cut in September.

Financial Markets Performance:

* The USDIndex has extended its declines, falling to 100.93. The buck has not closed with a 100 handle since April 2022.
* The Euro surged to a 1-year high against the US Dollar in August, driven by expectations of upcoming Fed rate cuts. The euro-dollar pair sees around $2.29 trillion in daily turnover, making it a key vehicle for betting against the US economy. Money managers have been buying euros daily for the past two weeks, anticipating a Fed interest-rate cutting cycle.
* However, the US rates staying higher than European rates could restore the Dollar’s appeal.
* USOil prices slipped -1.7% to $71.92 per barrel.
* Gold was fractionally lower at $2512.01 per ounce after rising to a new record high of $2513.99 on Tuesday.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 21st August 2024.

Market News – Sentiment stabilize; EU stocks higher after mixed Asian session.

* Safe Havens were boosted by rate cut expectations for the FOMC, as well as the ECB and BoC, and after a dovish cut by the Riksbank. Adding to the strength in the rally are the weaker USD, debt concerns (especially for the US), portfolio hedging, haven demand, along with buying from the PBoC and other central banks.
* Geopolitical risks remain a significant factor too, though they were tempered slightly late yesterday after news Israel had agreed to a cease-fire proposal.
* US bond yields dropped to their lowest since August 5, driven by fears of a recession after weak jobs data earlier in the month.

Asian & European Open:

* European stock markets are slightly higher in early trade, after a mixed close across Asia.
* Chinese tech companies listed in Hong Kong were under pressure and the Hang Seng underperformed with a -0.8% loss.
* Sentiment seemed to stabilize at the start of the European session, and US futures are marginally higher as markets wait for Jackson Hole and signals from major central banks that rates will go down next month.

Financial Markets Performance:

* The USDIndex fell to its lowest level this year against euro as traders prepared for key US payroll data revisions & Fed Powell’s upcoming speech. EURUSD rallied to 1.1132.
* The Sterling and the Yen showed mixed performance against the USD, with traders eyeing Japan’s parliament session and BOJ Governor Ueda’s upcoming testimony. GBPUSD spiked to 1.3050 and USDJPY bottomed to 144.92.
* SMBC economist Ryota Abe expects the US Dollar to weaken to 138 Yen by next year, with the Fed’s rate-cut pace being a critical factor.
* The Aussie hovered near a 1-month high, while the Kiwi touched its highest level since July before slightly retreating.
* USOil was steady close to its $72 floor.
* Gold continued to trade at about $2,500 close to its all-time high, fueled by expectations of impending Fed rate cuts.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 20th August 2024.

Market News – Its all about market sentiment.

* Wall Street continued its run higher as the panicked trade from early in the month continues to recede while outlooks on the Fed remain dovish heading into Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech Friday.
* Asian stocks mostly rose on Tuesday, driven by positive momentum from Wall Street as it neared record highs.
* Chinese property developer Kaisa announced a restructuring agreement with creditors to avoid legal challenges over its 2021 default. The deal includes issuing $5 billion in new bonds and $4.8 billion in convertible bonds. (Kaisa, once the largest offshore borrower after Evergrande, faces a winding-up petition in Hong Kong, though the case has been repeatedly delayed.)
* The RBA indicated that it will likely maintain interest rates at their 12-year high for an “extended period” to ensure inflation returns to target by next year.
* In Europe, growing risks to economic growth have strengthened the argument for a policy shift at the ECB’s meeting next month. Markets are also watching the EU CPI release due later today.

Asian & European Open:

* Expectations for lower rates helped boost the NASDAQ by 1.39%. The S&P500 climbed to its 8th consecutive gain and its best run since November. It is just the 2nd close over 5600 as it sets its sights on the record 5667 from July 16. The Dow rose 0.58% to 40,896 as 41,198 is back in view.
* The Nikkei surged 2.1% to 38,156.41, recovering from a previous 1.8% drop.
Financial Markets Performance:

* The USDIndex sank to 101.60, the weakest since early January.
* The Yen fluctuated against the US dollar, trading at the 147.33, rebounding from the 145-146 area.
* USOil prices decline to largest drop in 2 weeks, i.e. $72.76, as the US said Israel accepted a cease-fire proposal in Gaza, potentially easing supply risks as concerns about the global demand outlook mount.
* Bitcoin climbed to $60,974 while Gold continued to trade at about $2,500 close to its all-time high, fueled by expectations of impending Fed rate cuts.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 19th August 2024.

Market News – Asian Stocks gain but US in red, Dollar plumMets; Yen the biggest gainer so far.

September Fed rate cut all but a done deal, look ahead to Jackson Hole

* Dovish Fed bets have also boosted hopes of additional easing in Europe, and bonds are falling as markets look ahead to the Jackson Hole Symposium, which is expected to provide new guidance on the direction of US monetary policy.
* The anticipation of lower borrowing costs is boosting investor confidence.
* The US Dollar crashed to its lowest in 5 months. Cooler heads have prevailed as the panicked fears of recession dissipated. The FOMC is widely seen on track for -25 bp rate cuts over the remaining three policy meetings this year.
* Goldman Sachs reduced the likelihood of a US recession within the next year from 25% to 20%, citing the recent retail sales and jobless claims data. If the upcoming August jobs report, due on September 6, shows positive results, “we would likely lower our recession probability further to 15%,” Goldman economists led by Jan Hatzius noted in a report to clients on Saturday.

Asian & European Open:

* Asian stock markets traded largely higher overnight, however, European markets are narrowly mixed in early trade and US futures are in the red.
* The Hang Seng and tech stocks led the way overnight. The Nikkei underperformed and corrected -1.8%.
* The German 10-year rate is down -1.6 bp, the 10-year Gilt -2.3 bp and the US 10-year yield -1.3 bp.

Financial Markets Performance:

* The USDIndex has remained under pressure and hit a session low of 102.00, before picking up slightly.
* The Yen strengthened by 1% against the US Dollar, reaching 145.17 today. The yen’s rise is driven by overall USD weakness, anticipation of BOJ Governor Ueda’s parliamentary appearance on August 23, and Fed Chairman Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole. Markets are looking for signals from Ueda on the future direction of the BOJ’s interest rate policy. Political uncertainty is also influencing expectations, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s announcement that he will not seek re-election as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in September. Some investors are still betting on potential BOJ interest-rate hikes and may be buying Yen ahead of speeches by the US and Japanese central bank leaders later this week.
* USOil prices have also continued to struggle as demand concerns dominate. The USOIL is currently below $75 per barrel as traders tracked US-led efforts to secure a cease-fire in the 10-month old Middle East conflict, while the Russia-Ukraine war is escalating.
* Gold rallied to an all-time high over $2500 per ounce,on hopes the Fed is edging closer to cutting rates.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 16th August 2024.

Markets corrected again; Stocks skyrocketed.

Markets corrected again amid the back and forth on the Fed outlook and uncertainties over soft and hard landings that have besieged the outlooks since the jobs report. Global stocks have largely recovered from last week’s downturn, which had traders worried that the Fed might not cut rates quickly enough to prevent a recession.

* Asian stocks surged as investors returned to riskier assets, driven by increasing optimism that the US economy will sidestep a recession.
* September’s Fed rate cut was knocked out by the better than expected retail sales & jobless claims data and inflation. They are now anticipating less than a 30-basis point cut next month, with a total reduction of 92 basis points projected for the remainder of 2024.
* The RBA’s governor indicated that the central bank is still some distance from easing monetary policy.
* RBNZ governor Adrian Orr raised the distinct prospect of cutting rates another 50 basis points by year-end. NZDUSD rose to 0.6020.

Asian & European Open:

* Japanese stocks climbed, benefiting from a weaker Yen, which enhances exporters’ profits. The Nikke is set to end the week on a high, surging 2.9% to 37,800.42.
* Treasuries extended their losses, and the Yen is on track for its steepest weekly decline since May.
* The VIX fell further, dropping -6.49% to 15.14. It is well below the intraday spike to 65 on August 5 and is the lowest since July 23, even before the jobs report.
* Wall Street surged 2.34%, with the S&P500 advancing 1.61%, while the Dow climbed 1.39%. The rebound in US stocks from the heavy selling suggests that trend-following quant funds may soon reenter the market, potentially providing further support to equities.
* Walmart’s solid earnings report added to signs that the consumer is by no means dead, corresponding with the better news on retail sales. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. saw gains as optimism around tech stocks overshadowed concerns about its earnings. JD.com Inc. surged the most since March after exceeding net profit expectations in its earnings report released late Thursday.

Financial Markets Performance:

* The USDIndex firmed to 103.024 after fading from the spike to 103.227. It was as low as 102.530.
* The Yen dropped 1.3% hovered around the 149 mark. This currency depreciation might even entice some hedge funds back into the carry trade that unraveled two weeks ago.
* GBP strengthened as GDP data confirmed robust growth through the second quarter of the year, which weighed on Gilts and saw yields moving higher.
* The AUD strengthened as job gains beat expectations.
* USOil climbed 1.3% to $77.99 per barrel on the improved growth outlook.
* Gold rallied 0.34% to $2456.24 after slumping to $2432 on the data.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 15th August 2024.

Earnings and Inflation Boost the Dow Jones, Eyes Turn to Walmart’s Report!

* US inflation falls from 3.00% to 2.90% making a September rate cut certain.
* According to the CME Group, there is a 64% chance of the September rate cut being 25-basis points.
* Japanese GDP data confirms the economy grew 0.8% in the past quarter. The UK economy sees no growth in the latest month.
* Wednesday’s best performing index was the Dow Jones after Cisco Systems beat earnings and revenue expectations.

USA30 – The Dow Jones Is Wednesday’s Best Performing Index!

The Dow Jones is rarely the best performing index due to its exposure to more stable and less volatile stocks. The upward momentum is largely due to the earnings data from Cisco Systems and Caterpillar. Investors will now turn their attention to the last major quarterly earnings report for the week, Walmart.

80% of the Dow Jones’ stocks rose in value on Wednesday due to the significant rise in investor sentiment. Confidence in the stock market improved after the US inflation rate fell from 3% to 2.9% and the core inflation rate remained unchanged at 3.2%. The lower than previously expected inflation saw the market’s confidence rise and particularly support the Dow Jones.

The Dow Jones also saw momentum rise after Cisco made public their latest quarterly earnings report. Earnings per Share was 2.49% higher than Wall Street’s predictions and the revenue rose by almost $1 billion from the 1st to 2nd quarter. As a result, the stock rose by 5.75% after market close. The best performing stocks on Wednesday were American Express and Goldman Sachs. Investors will now turn their attention to Walmart which will release their earnings report before the market opens.

For Walmart, analysts predict the earnings per share to rise from $0.60 to $0.65 and for revenue to rise from $159 billion to $167 billion. The company has beat earnings expectations over the past 12 months due to investors looking to shop on a budget due to recent high inflation. On Wednesday, Walmart stocks rose 0.78% and a further 0.52% after market close. The rise and bullish momentum indicate investors believe the company will continue to perform well on their earnings reports. Walmart holds a weight of 1.12% and Cisco Systems 0.74%.

Dow Jones – Interest Rates and Upcoming Economic News.

After the lower inflation data for consumers and producers there is a 64% chance of the September rate cut being 25-basis points. According to many analysts the Federal Reserve will cut 0.75% by the end of 2024. However, some experts believe the Fed will cut a full 1.00%. This is also something which can be seen on the CME Group which indicates a 44% chance of a 1.00% cut by December.

Investors will now turn their attention to the US Retail Sales, Core Retail Sales and Weekly Unemployment Claims. Ideally shareholders would like to see the data slightly stronger than expectations, but not strong enough to suggest no rate cuts are needed. The Empire State Manufacturing Index and Philly Fed Index will also trigger volatility but to a lesser extent. The only concern for shareholders is a potential rise in tensions within the Middle East!

Currently the VIX trades with no major changes. As do Bond Yields, but a decline throughout the day would benefit the stock market.

Dow Jones – Technical Analysis!

Technical analysis indicates buyers are holding momentum. On the 2-Hour chart, price trades above the 75-Period EMA and the 100-Period EMA. The price also continues to trade above 70 on the RSI but is not indicating an overbought price. On the 5-Minute chart, the price continues to form bullish crossovers and trade above the VWAP. The price movement throughout as we approach the US session will depend largely on the global stock market performance and Walmart’s earnings report.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

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Michalis Efthymiou
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

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