February 20, 2024
CURRENCIES:
- Top of FormEuro’s Minor Decline: In a holiday-affected market, the Euro slightly dropped against the US Dollar.
- Persistent Downtrend: The Euro continues its year-long downtrend.
- Anticipation for German PMI: Market eyes are on Germany’s PMI data release this week, which could influence movement.
- US Market Closure: The US market was mostly inactive due to Presidents’ Day, with significant trading expected to resume later in the week.
- Upcoming Fed Minutes: Federal Reserve’s last meeting minutes are due Wednesday, potentially impacting market despite shifted rate-cut expectations to June.
- German Economic Indicator: Thursday’s German Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) is forecasted to show continued manufacturing contraction, potentially affecting the Euro.
- ECB’s Rate Decision: High interest rates remain as the European Central Bank (ECB) awaits clearer signs of inflation control, with no immediate rate cuts expected.
STOCK MARKET:
- Earnings: Barclays (BCS), Caesars Entertainment (CZR), Diamondback Energy (FANG), Home Depot (HD), KBR (KBR), Medtronic (MDT), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Teladoc Health (TDOC), Toll Brothers (TOL), Walmart (WMT).
- Economic news: Philadelphia Fed Non-Manufacturing Activity, February (-3.7 previously); Leading index, January (-0.3% expected, -0.1% prior).
- Nvidia’s Earnings Report: Nvidia’s earnings, significant for its AI leadership, are set for release on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in a shortened trading week due to the Presidents’ Day holiday.
- Market Recovery and Performance: Despite a dip from an unexpected inflation report, the S&P 500 hit a record high, while the Dow Jones and Nasdaq experienced slight movements.
- Economic Data’s Impact: Recent CPI, PPI, and retail sales data have challenged the soft-landing narrative, affecting investor sentiment regarding Federal Reserve rate cuts.
- Investor Sentiment Shift: Expectations for the Fed’s interest rate cuts have been adjusted, with a June cut now more likely than earlier anticipated.
- Broader Market Outlook: Despite challenges, the overall market narrative remains unchanged, with AI stocks surging and a general expectation for policy recalibration within the year.
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