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Wall Street Eyes Weekly Gain as Peace Hopes Lift Futures

  Wall Street Poised for Weekly Gain as Futures Climb on Middle East Peace Hopes Wall Street looked set to close the week on a positive note as U.S. equity futures climbed Friday, supported by renewed optimism that diplomatic progress in the Middle East could ease geopolitical tensions. Investors have been highly sensitive to any signs of de‑escalation, and this week’s developments helped unwind some of the risk premiums that had weighed on global markets. Oil prices, which surged earlier in the month on fears of supply disruptions, pulled back again as ceasefire discussions gained traction. Lower energy costs have helped cool inflation expectations, giving markets a bit more breathing room after a volatile stretch. Major U.S. indexes are now on track for a weekly gain, with tech and consumer stocks leading the rebound. Still, analysts caution that sentiment remains fragile: any setback in negotiations could quickly revive market turbulence. For Canadian investors, easing oil v...
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Record-Breaking February: S&P 500 and Nasdaq Reach New Heights

 


Investors witnessed an impressive rally in the stock market during February, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite achieving remarkable milestones. Let’s delve into the details of this historic month.

S&P 500: A Stellar Performance

The S&P 500 soared to new heights, closing at 5,095.88, marking an all-time high. This gain of 0.5% on the day capped off the best February for the index since 2015. The positive momentum was fueled by several factors, including a crucial inflation reading and reassuring economic indicators.

Nasdaq Composite: Breaking Records

The Nasdaq Composite stole the spotlight, closing at 16,091.92, its highest close on record. This achievement was particularly significant as it marked the first record close for the Nasdaq since November 2021. The tech-heavy index surged 0.9% on Thursday, reflecting the robust performance of technology companies.

Inflation and Market Sentiment

The closely watched Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index grew 2.4% year-over-year in January, slightly lower than the previous month’s 2.6%. The “core” PCE, the measure often emphasized by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, came in at 2.8%, down from 2.9% in the prior month. Policymakers continue to monitor inflation closely, emphasizing the need for signs of easing price pressures before committing to rate cuts.

Bitcoin’s Resilience

Meanwhile, bitcoin (BTC-USD) maintained its position above $62,000, coming close to its all-time high of $64,000. The leading digital currency’s recent rally has been unprecedented, reminiscent of the pre-“crypto winter” surge in 2022.

Earnings Outlook

As we wrap up the fourth quarter, the S&P 500 is projected to achieve 4% earnings growth compared to the same period last year. Notably, the outlook for earnings growth in the current quarter remains positive, defying the usual downward revisions seen during this time.

In summary, February 2024 will be remembered as a month of remarkable achievements in the stock market. Investors remain cautiously optimistic, closely monitoring economic indicators and inflation trends. As we move forward, the resilience of both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite provides hope for continued growth.


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