U.S. stock futures struggled to gain momentum early Tuesday as investors waited for Apple’s highly anticipated marketing event and important economic data on inflation and retail sales in the coming days.
Stock Index Futures Trading
- S&P 500 futures (ES00, -0.26%) declined by 11 points, or 0.2%, to reach 4528.
- Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM00, -0.17%) fell by 56 points, or 0.2%, settling at 34956.
- Nasdaq 100 futures (NQ00, -0.32%) dropped by 47 points, or 0.3%, reaching 15628.
On Monday, major stock indices showed positive movement: the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose by 87 points, or 0.25%, reaching 34664; the S&P 500 (SPX) increased by 30 points, or 0.67%, reaching 4487; and the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) gained 156 points, or 1.14%, closing at 13918.
Investors currently seem hesitant to make aggressive bullish bets due to several potential market-moving events expected in the next few sessions.
Apple’s Marketing Event Sparks Interest
Apple has garnered attention as its shares (AAPL, +0.66%) held steady in premarket trading. Investors eagerly anticipate the company’s marketing event, scheduled to begin at noon Eastern time, where new iPhones are expected to be unveiled.
“Welcome to my annual day of being seduced into buying a new iPhone that I don’t really need but desperately want. Apple will launch their new product suite today, which actually has the potential to impact the overall market,” noted Jim Reid, strategist at Deutsche Bank.
In addition to Apple’s event, investor appetite for technology stocks will also be tested on Wednesday when U.K.-based chip designer ARM launches its $50 billion listing in New York.
ARM IPO Demand Exceeds Expectations
Attention on U.S. Treasury Yields
One factor tempering the bullish sentiment in the equity market is the sight of U.S. 10-year borrowing costs holding close to their highest levels since 2008. This has captured the attention of investors who eagerly await key economic updates.
Economic Updates to Impact Federal Reserve’s Decision
On Wednesday, the U.S. consumer price index report for August will be published, followed by the release of August producer prices and retail sales numbers the next day. These data points hold significant importance as they could influence the Federal Reserve’s considerations leading up to its policy deliberations in the following weeks.
Challenges Ahead for the Federal Reserve
With persistent pressures on service prices, a rebound in oil prices, and the diminishing impact of favorable base effects, it seems unlikely that headline inflation will return to the desired 2% target anytime soon. This presents a challenging path ahead for the Federal Reserve as it continues its efforts to stabilize the economy.
Impact on U.S. Equity Markets
This week is expected to provide clarity in U.S. equity markets following recent fluctuations. Weaker-than-expected data could potentially cause Treasury yields to fall, while stronger data could have the opposite effect. Investors will be closely monitoring these developments.
Analysis: A Consolidated Market
The recent trend in the stock market has been rather neutral, with neither bullish nor bearish sentiment dominating. According to Newton, a breakout in either direction will be a significant event to watch out for. If the S&P 500 manages to surpass 4541, it would indicate a bullish momentum, while a drop below 4430 would signal a bearish turn. Investors should closely monitor these key levels for potential shifts in the market.
