Equities have experienced significant fluctuations in recent weeks due to the Federal Reserve of the United States raising interest rates to combat escalating inflation levels. Awaiting the imminent release of the latest inflation data, investors are feeling upbeat after a robust week for stock indexes.
This morning witnessed a surge in index values spurred by this positive sentiment. The Dow Jones led the way by gaining 128 points, marking a 0.4% upturn, while both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each realized gains of 0.6% respectively. Nevertheless, the sustainability of these increases remains uncertain pending the unveiling of the latest inflation figures. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has consistently emphasized the necessity to curtail inflation, implying an impending series of further rate hikes. Currently, investors are hopeful for more moderate rate increases that will have a lesser impact on their investments.
“Observing the increase in equity prices and the recent broad correction in the Dollar, as markets brace for a reduction in short-term central bank hawkishness, clients have been shifting towards a more conservative stance,” conveyed Ebrahim Rahbari, a strategist at Citigroup.
US markets open:
Dow Jones Industrial $DJI opens at 32159.49, up 7.78 points by 0.02%S&P 500 $SPX opens at 4083.67, gaining 16.31 points or 0.40%
Nasdaq $IXIC starts at 12174.94, rising 62.63 points, equivalent to 0.52% pic.twitter.com/car5W2WWde
— FinGeek (@TheFinGeek) September 12, 2022
The consumer price index report for August is slated for release tomorrow, with reports on retail sales and industrial output to follow on Thursday. These data points will heavily influence the Fed’s decisions and subsequently could trigger substantial fluctuations in the stock market upon their release.