S&P 500 Suffers Longest Losing Streak Since January

 

The stock market is experiencing its longest losing streak since January, with the S&P 500 index extending its decline for a fourth consecutive day. Despite a slide in bond yields, equities have fallen more than 4% from their all-time high. Here are the key points:

1. Tech Sell-Off: A handful of big tech companies sold off, contributing to the market downturn. Chipmakers, in particular, bore the brunt of the selling after ASML Holding NV’s orders tumbled, and Nvidia Corp. led losses among megacaps.

2. Volatility Whipsaw: A tug of war between bulls and bears unfolded as VIX options expired. Wall Street’s favorite volatility gauge has been whipsawing, reflecting uncertainty in the market.

3. Interest Rates and Fed Hawkishness: Rising interest rates, combined with the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance, have put bears temporarily in charge. Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled that policymakers will wait longer than previously anticipated to cut rates following high inflation readings. Investors are now betting on just one to two rate cuts this year, according to futures markets.

4. Consolidation Phase: While global equities face tactical headwinds, UBS strategists believe this is a consolidation phase. Stocks are expected to continue rising this year due to positive developments such as artificial intelligence boosting productivity, lower warranted equity risk premium, and less concern about margin pressures.

5. Economic Outlook: The U.S. economy has “expanded slightly” since late February, but firms reported greater difficulty in passing on higher costs. Powell’s hawkish tone suggests that the Fed wants the market to tighten conditions on its own.

Despite the recent slide, experts remain optimistic about stocks in the long term. Keep an eye on further developments and be prepared for potential volatility in the coming weeks.