Key Highlights:
Record Market Highs:
- The S&P 500 reached its 57th record close in 2024, up nearly 30% year-to-date, marking its best annual performance since 2019.
- Nasdaq rose 0.9%, while the Dow Jones fell slightly by 0.1%.
Jobs Report Boosts Rate Cut Bets:
- November job growth rebounded, with nonfarm payrolls up by 227,000.
- Unemployment edged up to 4.2%, reinforcing expectations of a 25-basis-point Fed rate cut in December.
Market Sentiment:
- Analysts described the labor report as a “Goldilocks zone” scenario—steady growth without overheating.
- Traders now see a 90% probability of a rate cut at the upcoming Fed meeting.
Sector Movers:
- Tech & Consumer Discretionary: Meta, Alphabet, Tesla, and Lululemon saw significant gains.
- Crypto: Bitcoin climbed 2.5%, surpassing $101,500, driven by optimism around the Fed’s policy.
Upcoming Catalysts:
- Inflation Data: Core inflation data next week will be crucial to solidify expectations for further rate cuts in 2025.
- Fed Commentary: Officials emphasized a gradual pace for rate reductions next year.
Corporate Updates:
- Lululemon: Raised full-year outlook on robust international sales.
- DocuSign: Boosted revenue forecast following strong contract renewals.
- Ulta Beauty: Increased annual projections after a solid Q3 performance.
- Victoria's Secret: Exceeded expectations with strong holiday season demand.
Broader Markets:
- Treasuries: 10-year yield steady at 4.17%.
- Oil: WTI crude fell 1.2% to $67.46 per barrel.
- Gold: Rose 0.2% to $2,636.41 an ounce.
Takeaway:
Strong jobs data and rising unemployment support Fed rate cut bets, fueling optimism in equities, particularly tech and consumer discretionary sectors. Markets now turn their attention to next week’s inflation report for further clarity.
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