Wall Street traders hold their breath ahead of CPI: Markets get mixed up


(Bloomberg) — Stocks bounced throughout the day, with traders unwilling to make any significant bets as they waited for key inflation data for clues on the Federal Reserve’s rate path.

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After several twists and turns in the lead-up to the consumer price index, the S&P 500 ended 0.1% higher. While most of its stocks advanced, the big tech was once again under pressure. Options traders are bracing for the busiest CPI day for the US equity benchmark since March 2023. The index is expected to move 1% in either direction on Jan. 15, based on cost of sales and market sales, according to Stuart Kaiser. at Citigroup Inc.

“All eyes are now on Wednesday’s CPI report, which may be the most important inflation reading in recent memory as it will fuel the market’s Fed-obsessed sentiment,” said Chris Brigati at SWBC. “A strong inflation number adds to this idea of ​​no cuts in 2025, and even a rate hike, while a weak inflation data point may help calm the market’s Fed fears” .

Data on Tuesday showed that the producer price index cooled unexpectedly in December, helped by a drop in food costs and flat prices for services. However, several of its components that feed into the Fed’s favorite measure of inflation (the Personal Consumption Expenditure Indicator) were mixed in December.

“This means the Fed and the markets will not benefit from particularly benign PPI contributions to PCE as was the case in November,” Krishna Guha told Evercore. “In the very short term, this leaves markets exposed (in both directions) to Wednesday’s CPI report.”

The S&P 500 closed above its 100-day moving average after briefly dipping below it. The Nasdaq 100 fell 0.1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%. A gauge of the “Magnificent Seven” megacaps fell 1%. The Russell 2000 of small companies gained 1.1%. Homebuilders jumped after KB Home earnings beat. Eli Lilly & Co. sank 6.6% amid disappointing sales.

The 10-year Treasury yield was little changed at 4.78%. The dollar fell after Bloomberg News reported that Donald Trump’s incoming economic team is considering gradually raising tariffs, helping to stave off a surge in inflation.

Oil fell from a five-month high as Hamas and Israel tentatively agreed to a ceasefire, cooling a rally fueled by risks to Russian and Iranian supplies.

U.S. core inflation likely cooled only a touch at the close of 2024 amid a resilient labor market and steady economy, supporting the Fed’s slow approach to further rate cuts.



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