SPY/QQQ Plan Your Trade For 11-27: BreakAway PatternHappy day before Thanksgiving, everyone.
Stay safe this holiday and remember to share hugs and love with all the people that are the most important in your life.
Trading will be there tomorrow and the next day - always.
Family, health, and loved ones always come before trading/work.
Today is a Breakaway pattern for the SPY. I suspect the SPY will still struggle near the 600 level and possibly REJECT into a downward price trend over the next 5+ trading days.
The QQQ is showing a very clear Flagging formation whereas the SPY is showing more overall strength.
Gold and Silver make a big GAP move higher. This is nice to see. I still believe Gold will attempt to rally above $3000 before the end of 2024 and Silver will attempt to rally above $35 before the end of 2024.
Bitcoin is now moving into a projected consolidation phase. The pending breakdown phase may see Bitcoin move down to the $74k to GETTEX:82K level. Buckle up.
Remember, we are going to have Thanksgiving holiday and shortened trading hours. If you have not already moved a large portion of your capital into CASH, you could be taking unwanted risks.
Get some.
#trading #research #investing #tradingalgos #tradingsignals #cycles #fibonacci #elliotwave #modelingsystems #stocks #bitcoin #btcusd #cryptos #spy #es #nq #gold
S&P 500 (SPX500)
S&P 500 Index Hits a New RecordS&P 500 Index Hits a New Record
As shown on the S&P 500 chart (US SPX 500 mini on FXOpen), the stock index has reached a new record, surpassing the high set on 11 November.
Bullish sentiment on Wall Street was driven by the announcement that Trump has selected Scott Bessent, a renowned investor and hedge fund manager, as Treasury Secretary.
A technical analysis of the S&P 500 chart (US SPX 500 mini on FXOpen) reveals that the price is moving within two ascending channels:
→ The medium-term blue channel that began in August.
→ The short-term steeper channel (marked with black lines), which has pushed the price from the lower half of the blue channel to its upper half.
→ The decline from B to C retraced approximately 50% of the rise from A to B.
However, how robust is this bullish sentiment? Two bearish factors warrant attention:
→ Rising Cboe Skew Index: Reuters reports an increase in the Cboe Skew (.SKEWX), a financial tool reflecting investor caution. Concerns may stem from potential inflation spikes, Trump’s tariffs, and other risks.
→ Possible False Breakout: The chart indicates that after setting a new high, the price turned downward (marked with a red arrow), potentially signalling a false bullish breakout of the previous high.
The strength of demand will become clearer following the market's reaction to the release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, scheduled for today at 18:00 GMT+3.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Do bulls really want to be long the S&P 500 ahead of a breakout?S&P 500 future are tantalisingly close to a record high. So close in fact, it would be rude not to print one. Yet I am skeptical it will simply hold on to (and extend) any such gains without at least a shakeout first, and bulls may be better to wait for a dip. Comparing the S&P 500 to Dow Jones and Nasdaq 100 futures, I explain why.
MS.
Apple DOWN! Not Fruits or healthy food in MC DONALDS.We can see the selling volume some days ago, that was an important one, ¿WB?
Apple is retesting as the whole S&P seems to chop chop this quarter, remember that was going up when Crypto was Chopping.
Opened the short yesterday, with a tight SL just in case-
Let´s see.
Para pa pa pa Loving IT
SPY Double Top Triple Top?Possible Double or Triple Top on AMEX:SPY ?
The SPY has been hitting the same resistance level of 600.80 for the past two days. First, on November 24, 2024, and again on November 25, 2024, before pulling back.
This repeated testing of the same level raises the question: are we forming a double or triple top? Will the SPY fail to break through this level, or will it finally push past it?
Only time will tell, but we should be aware of this potential technical pattern.
Double Top
Two consecutive peaks: Two highs occur near the same price level, with a moderate decline between them.
Valley in between: A noticeable low forms between the two peaks, which serves as a support level.
Neckline: A line connecting the valley lows forms the neckline.
Breakdown: The price breaks below the neckline, confirming the Double Top pattern.
Volume: Decreasing volume on the second peak and increasing volume on the breakdown.
SPY/QQQ Plan Your Trade For 11-26 : Inside-BreakawayAs we move closer to the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to remind traders that low liquidity is likely to drive extreme price swings throughout the markets this week and next.
Many traders are already "taking a break" from the markets right now - so please trade with CAUTION. Trade smaller positions and don't get trapped in anything you can't handle.
The markets will close on Thursday and have a half day on Friday. That means we are going to go about 3.5 days with no trading into early next week. Are you ready for that?
If not, get into a position where you can settle in through the holidays and relax. Come back to the markets on Monday/Tuesday next week.
I expect the SPY/QQQ to attempt to reject near the recent highs (yesterday) and for Gold and Silver to move into a bullish recovery phase after yesterday's selling pressure.
The one thing I would warn trades about today is the potential for a low-liquidity BREAKDOWN in price for the SPY/QQQ as well as Gold & Silver.
If there is some financial (US Treasuries) or breakdown event that prompts the markets into some type of Flash Crash - everything will go down.
I'm not saying this IS going to happen - but it COULD happen.
So, be prepared just in case.
Bitcoin is struggling to find any support throughout this downtrend. I suspect the $72-$77k level may be the final support for BTCUSD.
Buckle up. We could be in for a wild ride.
Get some.
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Wall Street Gains on Easing Rates; S&P 500 Key Levels &ScenariosInterest Rates and Economic Reports Boost Wall Street Futures; Asia and Europe Higher
Wall Street futures edged higher in pre-market trading on Monday, supported by easing interest rates and a focus on key economic reports scheduled for the week. While the earnings calendar remains light, the market's attention is shifting toward fundamental economic data, shaping investor sentiment.
S&P 500 Technical Analysis
The price will try to touch 6022 and then will drop to touch 5970 if it can stabilize below 6022.
Bullish Scenario: A decisive breakout above 6022, confirmed by a 4-hour candle close, would signal bullish momentum, with potential targets at 6068.
Bearish Scenario: Sustained trading below 5970 could pave the way for further downside targets at 5932 and 5896.
Key Levels:
Pivot Point: 5998
Resistance Levels: 6022, 6068
Support Levels: 5972, 5932, 5896
US Markets Defy Tradition: Stocks and Bonds Rise Together◉ Introduction
The relationship between bond yields and stock prices is crucial in understanding financial markets. Generally, bond yields and stock prices exhibit an inverse relationship, meaning that as bond yields rise, stock prices tend to fall, and vice versa. This dynamic is influenced by several factors, including opportunity costs, corporate financing costs, investor behaviour, and economic conditions.
◉ Opportunity Cost of Investing in Equities
● Definition: Bond yields represent the return on fixed-income investments. When bond yields increase, they provide a benchmark for what investors expect from equities.
● Impact: Higher bond yields make stocks less attractive unless they can offer significantly higher returns.
● Example: If a 10-year government bond yields 7%, investors may require at least a 12% return from stocks (including a risk premium of around 5%) to justify the additional risk. If expected stock returns fall below this level, investors may shift their capital from stocks to bonds, leading to a decline in stock prices.
◉ Corporate Financing Costs
● Definition: Rising bond yields increase the cost of borrowing for companies.
● Impact: Higher interest expenses can reduce corporate profits and cash flow, leading to lower stock valuations.
● Example: If a company’s debt interest rises from 5% to 8%, its net income may decrease significantly due to higher interest payments. This can prompt investors to reassess the company’s stock value negatively.
◉ Investor Behaviour and Market Dynamics
● Definition: Investor sentiment plays a significant role in the bond-stock relationship.
● Impact: When bond yields rise, many investors may sell stocks in favour of bonds, seeking safer returns.
● Example: During periods of economic uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, rising bond yields led many investors to move capital into bonds, resulting in significant declines in stock indices like the S&P 500.
◉ Economic Conditions and Inflation Expectations
● Definition: Bond yields are influenced by inflation expectations and overall economic growth.
● Impact: Rising inflation typically leads to higher bond yields, which can negatively impact stock prices as investors anticipate reduced future earnings.
● Example: Following the 2008 financial crisis, low inflation kept bond yields down, supporting rising stock prices as investors sought higher returns from equities amid low yields on bonds.
◉ Historical Context and Trends
● Definition: Historically, lower bond yields correlate with higher stock prices due to lower discount rates on future cash flows.
● Impact: Low borrowing costs encourage corporate investment and growth.
● Example: The bull market from 2009 to 2020 was fueled by persistently low Treasury yields, allowing companies to borrow cheaply and reinvest in growth initiatives.
◉ The Role of Defaults in Bond Yields
● Definition: The probability of default significantly influences bond yields.
● Impact: Increased default risk leads to higher required yields on corporate bonds, prompting a flight to safer government bonds.
● Example: During the 2008 financial crisis, rising default expectations for many companies resulted in corporate bonds offering higher yields as investors sought safety in government securities.
◉ Recent Market Trends: A Post-Election Analysis
The recent market trends following Donald Trump's election as President of the United States have been quite remarkable. Typically, when equity prices rise, bond yields fall, and vice versa. However, over the last month, both equity prices and bond yields have increased simultaneously.
This unusual phenomenon can be attributed to investor expectations of Trump's economic policies. The equity market has experienced a significant surge, with major indices like the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching new highs. This rally is largely driven by expectations of:
● Corporate Tax Reductions: Expected to boost corporate earnings and drive economic growth.
● Infrastructure Spending: Anticipated to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic activity.
● Deregulation: Expected to reduce compliance costs and promote business growth.
On the other hand, the bond market has experienced a significant rise in yields, driven by investor expectations of higher inflation and higher interest rates. This is largely due to Trump's economic policies, which are expected to lead to higher borrowing costs due to unchanged or higher interest rates, causing bond prices to decline and yields to rise.
◉ Conclusion
The recent rise in bond yields and stock prices marks a significant change from past trends. This shift shows how economic policy, investor feelings, and market forces interact, emphasizing the constantly changing nature of global financial markets.
Custom Crash Index Indicates Global Markets Are PanickingI believe the global markets are panicking related to Trump's pending inauguration and the fact that the US Fed may have to keep interest rates elevated through a US austerity process.
If you understand what this means, you'll clearly see why the US Dollar is trading above 106 and why Gold/Silver have moved downward recently.
The process of the US moving into smaller government with potentially $1.?T in excess capital means the US would move into a dynamic BEAST of a global economy. Able to pay down debt, restructure government agencies to become more efficient and lean, while pushing global economies closer and closer to having to clean up their own mess.
This is what I call the Predatory Fed.. and will likely prompt some very big price moves over the next 4-5+ years.
Get some.
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SPY/QQQ Plan Your Trade For 11-25-24 - Carryover TrendToday's pattern is a Carryover in Trend mode. Obviously, this is a holiday week, and because of low liquidity, I expect to see moderately wild price volatility.
Stay cautious, as price moves could be exaggerated this week.
Gold and Silver are still attempting to break higher and trading in a consolidated sideways price channel.
BTCUSD pauses into the holiday week.
This would be a good week to pause, read a good book, and avoid the risks in the global markets.
This shortened trading week will likely result in very wild price swings.
Stay cautious.
Get some.
#trading #research #investing #tradingalgos #tradingsignals #cycles #fibonacci #elliotwave #modelingsystems #stocks #bitcoin #btcusd #cryptos #spy #es #nq #gold
S&P 500 Technical Analysis Ascending Triangle vs Rising Wedge I've identified two potential patterns on the S&P 500 SP:SPX chart:
Ascending Triangle (blue trendlines): Higher lows and flat highs, with breakout potential above the flat top or a breakdown below the higher lows. Indicated by blue arrows.
Rising Wedge Developing (red trend lines and arrows): Higher highs and higher lows, with a potential bearish breakout below the lower trend line or a less common bullish breakout above the upper trend line. Red arrows highlight the touch points on the rising wedge pattern.
Pattern Rules:
For a valid pattern, the following rules apply:
Ascending Triangle:
At least two higher lows
Flat highs
Decreasing volume
Breakout above the flat top or breakdown below the higher lows
Rising Wedge:
At least three touch points on each trend line (I will use as few as 2)
Higher highs and higher lows
Decreasing volume
Breakout below the lower trend line or above the upper trend line (less common)
Quick Review for Beginners:
New to chart patterns? Here's a quick rundown:
Higher lows: A series of lows that are higher than the previous ones.
Flat highs: A series of highs that are roughly the same level.
Decreasing volume: The trading volume decreases as the pattern forms.
Breakout: When the price moves above or below the pattern's boundary.
Trend lines: Lines drawn to connect the highs or lows of a pattern.
Keep in mind that chart patterns are not a guarantee of future price movements, but rather a tool to help identify potential trends and trading opportunities.
S&P 500 Weekly Recap: A Struggle to RecoverLast week’s market action reflected the ongoing struggle for recovery after the previous week’s sell-off. The market opened cautiously, with buyers stepping in to regain ground lost during the prior downturn. Despite early hesitation, bulls managed to push prices higher, eventually filling the gap created by the earlier sell-off. However, this recovery faced significant resistance from sellers, resulting in minimal upward progression in daily closes.
Strength in the recovery was primarily driven by Financials (XLF), which set a new all-time high. Other sectors, however, remained subdued, aligning with the broader market's hesitant tone. While this selectivity isn’t necessarily negative on its own, when combined with other signals, it may indicate growing risk aversion and a lack of conviction among market participants.
It is also worth zooming into the lower timeframes.
The 584 level provided key support but was retested multiple times during the week, which is not a good sign for buyers. Persistent tests of support typically indicate weakening demand, and bulls should be cautious of this development. Additionally, it was remarkable to observe how the rally went precisely to the Value Area Low ( 596 ) of the previous consolidation zone. Buyers should note that the market failed to push higher and close within the value area, signaling potential exhaustion of the current recovery attempt.
The immediate objective for the bulls is to push above 596 , reclaiming the previous value area, which would provide stronger validation for the recovery. On the other hand, bears will be focused on taking down the 584 level, where there is likely big liquidity pool.
Next week is rich in terms of key events.
The FOMC minutes are scheduled for release on Tuesday, preceded by significant economic data on Wednesday. These releases will be closely scrutinized as investors remain deeply concerned about the possibility of a recession. Any signals pointing toward a slowing economy could spark fear and trigger increased volatility.
While the long-term market trend remains intact, the warning signs outlined above suggest that investors should hold off on adding to their positions for the time being.
P.S. ES futures are currently rising in the pre-market session. If this momentum doesn't transform into a sell-off after the bell, it will certainly be a positive sign for the buyers.
Weekly Forex Forecast Nov. 25th: SP500, NAS, DOW = BUY THEM!The three indices are bullish. They each had a Daily +FVG they found support in, and were bullish from that point of contact. The DOW is the strongest, and may be the best bet, even though it is a wildcard most times. The SP500 is probably the safest buy, as the NASDAQ is the weakest of the three. If things turn bearish for any reason, the best short will be in the NASDAQ.
Check the comments section below for updates regarding this analysis throughout the week.
Enjoy!
May profits be upon you.
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#202447 - priceactiontds - weekly update - sp500 e-mini futuresGood Evening and I hope you are well.
tl;dr
sp500 e-mini futures: Bullish. 5 consecutive days where bears tried and bulls closed at the highs. Buy signals do not get better than this. Above 6000 we see 6050 and most likely an acceleration up to new highs. 6100 and 6150 the obvious next targets. Bears need a daily close below 5850 and would still have a bigger bull trend line to break there so the downside is likely limited.
Quote from last week:
comment: 50% retracement hit and market closed above it on Friday. My preferred path for next week is a huge bull reversal higher. Is this likely after 2 strong bear days? No it’s not, so I have to wait for either side to show a clear new direction or continuation. If this goes to 5800 without me, so be it. I think after such a big rally with follow through buying above 6000, a retracement to 50% is a buy and not a sell.
comment : Bullish bias I had, bullish it was. Market looks like it wants up bad. Every dip is bought heavily on increasing volume. Time is now to get above 6100 or we won’t get it at all. Market is beyond overvalued, overbought and the poor late bulls are just arriving. Guess who will be left holding the bags again.
current market cycle: Bull trend
key levels : 5850 - 6150 (maybe even 6200)
bull case: Last hurrah. 6100 is my first target but can absolutely go beyond 6200. Anything below 5800 would be the end of this. I don’t feel the need to explain this further. The chart is crystal clear. I have written about this blow-off top for many weeks. Just don’t forget to take profits before this turns badly. I do think the odds of this closing 2024 below 6000 are low but can absolutely happen. These bullish profits since August are outrageous and once the run for the exits begins, it will be ruthless.
Invalidation is below 5800.
bear case: Bears gave up on Friday. If they can’t get below 5900 on Monday, we will see a meltup. No bear will come around big time before 6050 and even then I think they will let the bulls show signs of exhaustion before they be aggressive.
Invalidation is above 5800.
outlook last week:
short term: I want to join the bulls again. Need strong confirmation first though. Still no interest in selling as of now.
→ Last Sunday we traded 5896 and now we are at 5987. Perfect outlook. Hope you made some.
short term: Bullish all the way. If market closes below 5900 I would turn neutral and daily close below 5800 would probably be the end of my bullish thesis and I turn bear.
medium-long term - Update from 2024-11-24: 6100+ are my last targets for the bulls before this bubble begins to pop or at least deflate.
current swing trade: None
chart update: Added potential bullish 5-wave series.
Interesting facts of the week: What to expect next?Hello traders and investors!
The past week brought several interesting events that may impact the situation's development in the coming days.
The U.S. Dollar Index has reached the upper boundary of its range on the weekly timeframe at 106.952. There might be an attempt to reverse the long trend, with the idea of executing the seller’s vector within the range on the weekly timeframe (potential targets are 99.807 and 99.099).
The Euro against the Dollar has reached the lower boundary of its range on the weekly timeframe at 1.04485. There might be an attempt to reverse the short trend, with the idea of executing the buyer’s vector within the range on the weekly timeframe (potential targets are 1.12142 and 1.12757).
Gold , after bouncing off the 50% level (2538.5) of the last monthly buyer’s impulse, has broken through 2710.52, which was the beginning of the last seller’s impulse on the daily timeframe. On the weekly timeframe, there was a manipulation (false breakout) of the level where the last buyer’s impulse started (2604.39), and the weekly bar is impressive with its spread. On the one hand, there is an opportunity to look for buys, but on the other hand, a seller may appear just above in the 2721–2759 range. Let’s see who will win the battle for the 2710.52 level.
SPX500 . The buyer is defending the breakout from the range on the daily timeframe. The buyer has absorbed the seller’s attack bar from November 15 (which had high volume) on the upper boundary of the range at 5891.6. As a result, a buyer’s zone has formed on the upper boundary of the range (upper edge of the zone is 5975.6). Additionally, the price dipped below the 50% level of the last buyer’s impulse on the daily timeframe. You can look for buying opportunities if the buyer reactivates from this zone.
Good luck with your trading and investments!
S&P 500: Gains Driven by Data, Eyes on Key Events Next WeekS&P 500: Gains Driven by Data, Eyes on Key Events Next Week
The S&P 500 ended the week on a positive note, buoyed by strong economic data, robust corporate earnings, and supportive seasonality. However, investors are shifting their focus to critical upcoming events: the FOMC meeting on Tuesday and the PCE inflation report on Wednesday. These events have the potential to set the tone for the markets for the remainder of the year.
Mixed Economic Data
The past week brought a blend of economic data, with some encouraging signals and a few disappointments:
Initial Jobless Claims (Nov. 16): At 213K, the result came in better than the 220K consensus, underscoring the resilience of the labor market and reducing recession fears.
Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (Nov.): Disappointed at -5.5 against expectations of 8, reflecting continued weakness in the manufacturing sector.
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final (Nov.): Came in at 71.8, below the 73.7 forecast, indicating a slight dip in consumer confidence.
S&P Global Services PMI Flash (Nov.): Surprised to the upside with a reading of 57.0, exceeding the expected 55.2, highlighting the strength of the services sector.
Nvidia Shines Bright
Corporate earnings added to the bullish sentiment, led by Nvidia's impressive Q3 results. The company reported revenue of 35.08 billion dollars, significantly above the consensus estimate of 33.17 billion dollars. As a leader in AI-related technology and semiconductors, Nvidia's results lifted the broader tech sector and contributed to the S&P 500’s gains.
Market Sentiment and Seasonality
The Fear & Greed Index currently stands at 61, in the "Greed" zone, indicating a risk-on environment as investors show confidence in equities. Seasonality also plays a crucial role. Historically, the S&P 500 benefits from end-of-year trends, especially in an election year, when policymakers often aim to maintain market stability.
Challenges Ahead
While the current momentum is positive, the market faces significant tests next week with two major events:
FOMC Meeting (Tuesday): The Federal Reserve’s policy decisions and commentary will be in the spotlight. Investors will look for signals on whether the Fed plans to pause or keep the door open for further rate hikes in 2024.
PCE Inflation Report (Wednesday): The core PCE inflation data, the Fed's preferred measure of price pressures, could shape expectations for monetary policy. A higher-than-expected reading might increase concerns about further tightening, while a lower figure would reinforce the soft landing narrative.
Lingering Risks
In addition to the upcoming macroeconomic events, investors remain wary of:
Trade Policy: Former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported goods could stoke inflation and weigh on economic growth.
Geopolitics: The ongoing risk of escalation in the Ukraine conflict continues to loom over global markets.
Soft Landing: The Baseline Scenario
Looking at the current data, the S&P 500 appears to be on the path to a soft landing, supported by a strong labor market and robust technology sector performance. Favorable seasonality—both year-end trends and election-year dynamics—further bolsters the case for continued gains, which remains the baseline scenario for now.
Conclusion
The S&P 500 has shown strength, but next week’s FOMC meeting and PCE inflation report could reshape market dynamics. The key question is whether the data will support the soft landing narrative or signal a need for further monetary tightening.
What are your thoughts on the S&P 500’s outlook given the upcoming Fed meeting and inflation data? Will the index sustain its rally, or are we in for increased volatility? Share your insights in the comments.
S&P 500 index short term outlookThe S&P 500 Index (SPX) is trading within an ascending channel on its daily chart, signaling a continuation of the bullish trend. This structure is defined by parallel rising trendlines connecting higher highs and higher lows, indicating strong buyer interest and sustained momentum.
Recent price action shows a breakout above minor resistance near the 5,900 level, confirming bullish sentiment. The index is currently moving toward the midpoint of the channel, with potential to test the upper boundary near 6,100. The lower trendline offers solid support, maintaining the channel's integrity.
Volume will be crucial in validating any further upward moves. Increased volume during an advance toward the upper boundary would strengthen the bullish case, while declining volume may indicate consolidation or a pause in the trend.
For traders, entering a long position while the index remains in the channel could be a viable strategy. A breakout above the upper boundary could present additional upside potential, with profit targets based on the channel's height projected upward. Stop-loss orders can be placed below the lower trendline or the most recent swing low near the 5,800 level to manage risk.
This setup suggests the SPX is poised for continued gains, provided the channel remains intact. However, a break below the lower trendline could signal a reversal, requiring caution and adjustment of trading strategies.
S&P 500: Gains Driven by Data, Eyes on Key Events Next WeekThe S&P 500 ended the week on a positive note, buoyed by strong economic data, robust corporate earnings, and supportive seasonality. However, investors are shifting their focus to critical upcoming events: the FOMC meeting on Tuesday and the PCE inflation report on Wednesday. These events have the potential to set the tone for the markets for the remainder of the year.
Mixed Economic Data
The past week brought a blend of economic data, with some encouraging signals and a few disappointments:
Initial Jobless Claims (Nov. 16): At 213K, the result came in better than the 220K consensus, underscoring the resilience of the labor market and reducing recession fears.
Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (Nov.): Disappointed at -5.5 against expectations of 8, reflecting continued weakness in the manufacturing sector.
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final (Nov.): Came in at 71.8, below the 73.7 forecast, indicating a slight dip in consumer confidence.
S&P Global Services PMI Flash (Nov.): Surprised to the upside with a reading of 57.0, exceeding the expected 55.2, highlighting the strength of the services sector.
Nvidia Shines Bright
Corporate earnings added to the bullish sentiment, led by Nvidia's impressive Q3 results. The company reported revenue of 35.08 billion dollars, significantly above the consensus estimate of 33.17 billion dollars. As a leader in AI-related technology and semiconductors, Nvidia's results lifted the broader tech sector and contributed to the S&P 500’s gains.
Market Sentiment and Seasonality
The Fear & Greed Index currently stands at 61, in the "Greed" zone, indicating a risk-on environment as investors show confidence in equities. Seasonality also plays a crucial role. Historically, the S&P 500 benefits from end-of-year trends, especially in an election year, when policymakers often aim to maintain market stability.
Challenges Ahead
While the current momentum is positive, the market faces significant tests next week with two major events:
FOMC Meeting (Tuesday): The Federal Reserve’s policy decisions and commentary will be in the spotlight. Investors will look for signals on whether the Fed plans to pause or keep the door open for further rate hikes in 2024.
PCE Inflation Report (Wednesday): The core PCE inflation data, the Fed's preferred measure of price pressures, could shape expectations for monetary policy. A higher-than-expected reading might increase concerns about further tightening, while a lower figure would reinforce the soft landing narrative.
Lingering Risks
In addition to the upcoming macroeconomic events, investors remain wary of:
Trade Policy: Former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported goods could stoke inflation and weigh on economic growth.
Geopolitics: The ongoing risk of escalation in the Ukraine conflict continues to loom over global markets.
Soft Landing: The Baseline Scenario
Looking at the current data, the S&P 500 appears to be on the path to a soft landing, supported by a strong labor market and robust technology sector performance. Favorable seasonality—both year-end trends and election-year dynamics—further bolsters the case for continued gains, which remains the baseline scenario for now.
Conclusion
The S&P 500 has shown strength, but next week’s FOMC meeting and PCE inflation report could reshape market dynamics. The key question is whether the data will support the soft landing narrative or signal a need for further monetary tightening.
What are your thoughts on the S&P 500’s outlook given the upcoming Fed meeting and inflation data? Will the index sustain its rally, or are we in for increased volatility? Share your insights in the comments.