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  • Stock Market Update: S&P 500, Nasdaq Dip as Inflation Progress Falters

    Stock Market Update: S&P 500, Nasdaq Dip as Inflation Progress Falters

    US stock markets faced a setback on Wednesday, with key indices retreating after fresh data suggested inflation remains stubbornly high, challenging the Federal Reserve’s efforts to hit its 2% target.

    The S&P 500 (^GSPC) dropped 0.4%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) slid 0.3%. The Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC), led by losses in tech stocks, declined by 0.6%. This follows Tuesday’s record highs, dampening investor sentiment ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, when markets will close Thursday and have shortened trading hours on Friday.

    Inflation Data Raises Concerns

    The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, showed modest growth in October. Core PCE, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.3% month-over-month, aligning with Wall Street expectations. Annually, core prices increased by 2.8%, slightly above September’s 2.7%.

    This flat progress in inflation control has raised questions about the Fed’s next move. Current market forecasts, based on the CME FedWatch Tool, indicate a 34% probability that the Fed will hold interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting—a notable increase from 24% a month earlier.

    Broader Economic Indicators

    Additional economic reports released Wednesday painted a mixed picture. The second estimate for third-quarter GDP remained unchanged, showing a 2.8% annualized growth rate. Meanwhile, the labor market showed resilience, with weekly jobless claims dropping to 213,000 from the prior week’s 215,000—indicating continued strength in employment.

    Corporate and Trade Developments

    In corporate news, Dell Technologies (DELL) shares plunged over 12% after quarterly revenue missed expectations, reflecting weak PC demand. Similarly, HP (HPQ) suffered an 11% loss post-earnings, compounding concerns in the tech hardware sector.

    On the trade front, President-elect Donald Trump appointed Jamieson Greer as the new US Trade Representative. Greer, a key figure in Trump’s first-term China tariff policies, has sparked speculation about the administration’s approach to future trade agreements and tariffs on top US trading partners.

    Outlook

    As markets enter a holiday-shortened week, investors are cautiously navigating a mix of economic signals and corporate challenges. Persistent inflation and trade policy uncertainties remain key themes that could shape market direction in the coming weeks.

    For updates on the stock market and economic trends, stay tuned to our blog.

    Source : Swifteradio.com

  • Stock Market Update: Dow and S&P 500 Climb as Nvidia Earnings Shine; Alphabet Stumbles Amid DOJ Move

    Stock Market Update: Dow and S&P 500 Climb as Nvidia Earnings Shine; Alphabet Stumbles Amid DOJ Move

    US stocks experienced mixed movements on Thursday as investors responded to Nvidia’s robust earnings and Alphabet’s significant decline due to a Department of Justice (DOJ) push to dismantle its operations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) led the gains, adding over 450 points (1.1%), while the S&P 500 rose 0.5%. The Nasdaq Composite finished just above flat after paring earlier losses.

    Sector Shifts and Nvidia’s Spotlight
    Investors shifted their focus from Big Tech to Utilities (XLU), Industrials (XLI), and Financials (XLF), signaling a rotation in market sentiment. Nvidia emerged as a key driver of the day’s movements. The chipmaker reported impressive earnings, surpassing profit expectations. However, it also projected its slowest revenue growth in seven quarters due to supply chain constraints.

    Nvidia revealed that delivery of its flagship Blackwell chip would be delayed, leading to limited supply until 2026. Analysts interpreted this as a temporary setback, noting that demand would likely surge once supply issues are resolved, especially given Nvidia’s dominance in AI chipmaking. Despite the positive long-term outlook, Nvidia’s shares edged up by less than 1% on Thursday.

    Alphabet’s Setback
    Alphabet faced a steep decline after the DOJ requested a court order forcing Google to divest its Chrome browser. This move is part of ongoing antitrust scrutiny aimed at curbing Google’s market dominance. The news sent Alphabet’s shares tumbling, marking one of the day’s most significant tech losses.

    Macroeconomic Developments
    Economic data also played a role in Thursday’s market dynamics. Weekly jobless claims fell to 213,000, down from the prior week, signaling a robust labor market. Meanwhile, traders are adjusting their expectations for the Federal Reserve’s December meeting. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there’s now a 44% chance the Fed will hold interest rates steady, up from 28% just a week ago.

    Bitcoin Nears Milestone
    Bitcoin briefly surged to a record high of nearly $99,000, inching closer to the landmark $100,000 level. The rally follows news that SEC Chair Gary Gensler will step down in January 2025, fueling optimism among crypto advocates. They hope for a regulatory shift under a more crypto-friendly successor.

    Looking Ahead
    The stock market continues to navigate earnings reports, regulatory developments, and economic indicators, with investor sentiment swaying between optimism and caution. Nvidia’s long-term growth potential and Alphabet’s regulatory hurdles will remain in focus as markets head into the final weeks of 2024.

    Source :Swifteradio.com