Skip to main content

Featured

Fed Poised for First 2025 Rate Cut as Weak Jobs Data Outweigh Inflation Concerns

  The Federal Reserve seal at its Washington, D.C. headquarters, where policymakers are set to decide on the first interest rate cut of 2025. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points today, marking its first rate cut of 2025 and the first since December last year. The move would bring the federal funds target range down to 4.00%–4.25%, as policymakers respond to slowing job growth and rising unemployment, even as inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Recent labor market data showed just 22,000 jobs added in August, with earlier months revised downward, while the unemployment rate has climbed to around 4.3%. Inflation, measured by the Fed’s preferred PCE index, has edged higher in recent months, partly due to tariffs pushing up consumer prices. Markets have largely priced in the cut, with investors watching the Fed’s updated “dot plot” for clues on whether more reductions will follow in October and December. The decision ...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

US Futures Dip as Investors Seek Inspiration


The US stock market futures are showing a slight decline today as investors search for inspiration amid mixed signals. Let’s break down the key points:

  1. Rate-Cut and AI Growth Hopes Take a Hit:

    • The recent optimism surrounding rate cuts and artificial intelligence (AI) growth has waned. Federal Reserve officials have emphasized that interest rates will remain higher for longer due to persistent inflation concerns.
    • High yields on 10-year Treasury bonds have weighed on growth stocks, particularly megacap Big Tech companies.

  2. Arm’s Revenue Forecast Dampens AI Enthusiasm:

    • Arm, a major chip designer, provided a downbeat annual revenue forecast. This has cast doubt on the AI growth narrative that had previously boosted chip stocks.
    • Shares of Arm dropped 9% in pre-market trading, and sector peers Nvidia and AMD also saw slight declines.

  3. Earnings Season Continues:

    • Warner Bros. Discovery reported earnings that missed estimates, failing to provide support for investors seeking positive catalysts.
    • Other companies, including Roblox and Yelp, are also reporting earnings today as the season winds down.

  4. Macro Front Updates:

    • Keep an eye on weekly jobless claims data, which is due later today.
    • San Francisco Fed Chief Mary Daly is scheduled to speak, potentially providing further insights.

In summary, the stock market remains cautious, with investors closely monitoring earnings reports and macroeconomic indicators. The path forward depends on how various factors play out in the coming days.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment