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☆ Morning Bid: Business brakes in June swoon, dollar jumps
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

A look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets from Mike DolanJust as world stock prices raced ahead this month, broader business activity appeared to be stalling again. Equivalent Japanese and British surveys also showed sub-forecast growth and markets nervously await the U.S. version later on Friday. The dollar was the big market mover - surging into the weekend against Asia and European currencies. Inflation is falling faster, real wage growth is back positive, the jobs market is loosening slightly and housing is rebounding somewhat. So even as stock prices have come off the year's highs, the VIX (.VIX) implied volatility gauge continues to fall away - closing below 13 on Thursday for the first time since January 2020.

Persons: Mike Dolan, Jerome Powell, Wall, Powell's, Raphael Bostic, James Bullard, Loretta Mester, Jane Merriman Organizations: Asia, Federal Reserve, Bank of England, Swiss National Bank, Brent, Japan's, Swiss, Atlanta Federal Reserve, St Louis Fed, Cleveland Fed, Reuters Graphics Reuters Graphics, Thomson, Reuters Locations: U.S, Europe, Shanghai, Asia, United States

Appearing before the Senate Banking Committee, Powell reiterated his view that more rate hikes are likely in the months ahead. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin said he remains unconvinced that inflation is on a steady path downward, but would not prejudge what the Fed should do at its July 25-26 meeting. Investors will also monitor comments from St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic and Cleveland Fed's President Loretta Mester. ET, Dow e-minis were down 109 points, or 0.32%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 22 points, or 0.5%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 101.75 points, or 0.67%. Reporting by Shubham Batra, Shreyashi Sanyal and Shashwat Chauhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun KoyyurOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Powell, Matt Britzman, Hargreaves Lansdown, Tom Barkin, Louis, James Bullard, Raphael Bostic, Loretta Mester, Shubham Batra, Shreyashi Sanyal, Shashwat Chauhan, Arun Koyyur Organizations: Dow, Nasdaq, Banking, Richmond Fed, Deutsche Bank, Louis Fed, Atlanta Fed, Cleveland, Dow e, 3M, Carmax Inc, Thomson Locations: U.S, Bengaluru

☆ Morning Bid: Dogged central banks rein in risk
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Markets have been here before over the past year - continually underestimating the economy's resilience and Fed's trajectory. There was far less ambiguity in moves from Europe's central banks on Thursday. The Swiss National Bank raised rates by 25bp earlier, as expected, but also left the door open for more tightening. And Norway's central bank surprised with an aggressive 50bp rise to a 15-year high of 3.75% and signaled another move in August. In the emerging market world, Turkey was expected to more than double its 8.5% interest rate in a post-election macroeconomic policy reset.

Persons: Mike Dolan, Jerome Powell, Powell, Raphael Bostic, BoE, Britain's, Christopher Waller, Michelle Bowman, Loretta Mester, Thomas Barkin, Elaine Hardcastle Organizations: Federal, Financial, Fed, Atlanta Fed, Yahoo Finance, Bank of England, Swiss National Bank, Treasury, The Times, Bank of, U.S, Kansas City Federal, Chicago Fed, Cleveland Fed, Richmond Fed, Accenture, Darden, Graphics Reuters, Reuters, Thomson Locations: U.S, Britain, Europe's, Turkey, Mexico

Powell is due to deliver his semiannual monetary policy testimony before the House Financial Services Committee at 10 a.m. Still, the benchmark S&P 500 (.SPX) has advanced 14.3% so far this year. It holds chances of a recession at 25%, and in that base case, it expects the S&P 500 to rise to 4,500 - about 2.5% higher than current levels. ET, Dow e-minis were down 17 points, or 0.05%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 1.25 points, or 0.03%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 12.5 points, or 0.08%. Reporting by Shubham Batra and Johann M Cherian in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun KoyyurOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Tesla, Jerome, Powell, Peter Andersen, Goldman Sachs, Li Auto, Cleveland Fed's Loretta Mester, Shubham Batra, Johann M, Arun Koyyur Organizations: FedEx, China, Dow, Nasdaq, Federal, Financial, Fed, Andersen Capital Management, Tesla Inc, Dow e, Coinbase, Nio Inc, Xpeng, Thomson Locations: Texas, U.S, China, Chicago, Bengaluru

☆ Morning Bid: Powell patter, UK shock, FedEx warning
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

A look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets from Mike DolanThe Fed chair has a tricky message to communicate. Powell's colleagues on Tuesday stressed again they would stay the course until inflation is back to its 2% target. UK inflation defied expectations of a slowdown and held at 8.7% in May, while 'core' inflation jumped above 7% for the first time since 1992. In corporate news, FedEx FDX.N shares dropped almost 3% overnight after a profit warning. Events to watch for later on Wednesday:* Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testifies to House Financial Affairs Committee.

Persons: Mike Dolan, Jerome Powell's, rationalises, Powell's, Treasuries, BoE, Sterling recoiled, Rivian, Jerome Powell, Adrian Kugler, Philip Jefferson's, Lisa Cook, Austan Goolsbee, Loretta Mester, Christina Fincher Organizations: Federal Reserve, National Association of Home Builders, Bank of, FedEx FDX.N, Rivals Rivian, European, Financial, Fed Board, Chicago Fed, Cleveland Fed, Treasury, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Reuters, Thomson Locations: U.S, Wells Fargo, Britain, Bank of England, China

☆ Street looks to extend rally into a holiday-shortened week that is light on data
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Also on tap are several speaking engagements for Federal Reserve members, including Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday and Thursday in his semiannual monetary policy report to Congress. ET: St. Louis Fed president Jim Bullard speaks 8:30 a.m. ET: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks 12:25 am. ET: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks 10:00 a.m. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell departs after speaking during a news conference following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting, at the Federal Reserve in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2023.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Louis, Jim Bullard, John Williams, Austan Goolsbee, Loretta Mester, Tom Barkin, Friday's, Jim Cramer's, Jim Cramer, Jim, Mandel Ngan Organizations: Federal Reserve, Darden, FedEx, Louis Fed, Housing, NY Fed, Federal, Chicago Fed, Patterson Companies, Winnebago Industries, Algoma Steel, Cleveland Fed, Richmond Fed, Commercial Metals, U.S, Treasury, Jim Cramer's Charitable, CNBC, AFP, Getty Locations: United States, Olive, Washington ,

☆ Still-hawkish Fed pauses rate tightening after 10 straight hikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +13 min

While the market expected a hawkish pause, this is even a little bit more hawkish than market participants anticipated and that’s why you’re having a negative reaction in risk assets. So, it does suggest that the Fed is looking to tighten policy further, but the big question is can the Fed credibly commit to two more rate hikes if they just decided to actually hold rates steady. And what is the threshold for further rate hikes? “GEORGE YOUNG, PORTFOLIO MANAGER, VILLERE & CO, NEW ORLEANS"This a pregnant pause, meaning that they said they're going to pause hikes today but they're going to increase later. ANGELO KOURKAFAS, SENIOR INVESTMENT STRATEGIST, EDWARD JONES, ST LOUIS"We're seeing a more hawkish pause.

Persons: QUINCY KROSBY, Powell, He’s, BRIAN JACOBSEN, MENOMONEE, ” ANDRZEJ SKIBA, ” GENNADIY GOLDBERG, they’ve, ” ELLEN HAZEN, Logan, Waller, “ GEORGE, ANGELO KOURKAFAS, EDWARD JONES, They've, MICHAEL BROWN, hawkishly, WHITNEY WATSON, GOLDMAN, “, STOVALL, ” PAUL NOLTE, MICHAEL JAMES Organizations: YORK, Federal Reserve, Federal, U.S, RBC, CPI, PPI, Powell &, Cleveland Fed, Global Finance, Markets, Thomson Locations: U.S, CHARLOTTE, NC, WISCONSIN, WELLESLEY , MASSACHUSETTS, ORLEANS, GOLDMAN SACHS, Manheim, ALLENTOWN, CHICAGO

☆ Morning Bid: Jobs glow, crude pops, dollar lifts
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

A look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets from Mike DolanWorld markets retained a warm afterglow from Friday's shining U.S. employment reading, with only minor gains in crude oil prices on Saudi Arabia's output cut clouding the picture. While Brent crude oil prices popped up about $1 per barrel on the Saudi output cut plans, the move was limited and year-on-year crude losses continue to clock some 35%. May U.S. service sector readings dominate the Monday diary, as does the likely start of Treasury rebuilding its depleted coffers with 3- and 6-month bill auctions. Soundings from China's service sector earlier helped partly to offset fears that dour factory readings questioned its post-COVID recovery. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

Persons: Mike Dolan, Russell, Morgan, Mehmet Simsek, Christine Lagarde, Loretta Mester, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Federal, Nasdaq, Big Tech, Apple, Brent, Treasury, Wall Street, Global, Central Bank, Cleveland Federal, Reuters, Thomson Locations: U.S, Saudi, Asia

The rate hike "skip" has now become jargon for an emerging compromise between concerns inflation is not yet controlled with fears the economy may slow sharply as banks pull back on credit. "I don't really see a compelling reason to pause," Cleveland Fed president Loretta Mester said in an interview published Wednesday in the Financial Times. Jefferson acknowledged inflation remains "too high" and that "by some measures progress has been decelerating recently." While Jefferson does not expect a recession, he noted that there are reasons to be careful after 15 months in which the policy rate was raised by 5 percentage points. Reporting by Howard Schneider; Editing by Paul Simao, Nick Zieminski and Daniel WallisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Philip Jefferson, Jefferson, Jerome, Powell, Krishna Guha, Patrick Harker, Harker, Loretta Mester, Michelle Bowman, Howard Schneider, Paul Simao, Nick Zieminski, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, U.S . Senate, Philadelphia Fed, Cleveland Fed, Financial Times, Thomson Locations: U.S, Washington

Meanwhile districts reported that the pace of inflation had slowed, with prices rising "moderately" and contacts in most parts of the country expecting a similar pace of price increases in the coming months. But many Fed policymakers since then have signaled they may rather wait before undertaking any further policy tightening. Fed policymakers have said credit conditions are a key input to their calculations for monetary policy-setting. About half of districts reported no change in economic activity in recent weeks, the report showed, while four reported small increases and two reported "slight to moderate declines." At the St. Louis Fed, banking contacts said loan demand had softened and they expected further weakening ahead.

Persons: Louis, Ann Saphir, Andrea Ricci, Chizu Organizations: Federal, Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, Cleveland Fed, Minneapolis Fed, St, Louis Fed, Thomson Locations: U.S, Silicon

☆ Morning Bid: China factory fright, dollar surges
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The yuan , now down more than 3% from its early May peaks, skidded to its lowest level of the year against the dollar as investors considered the possibility of further credit easing by the Chinese central bank. The dollar index hit its highest level since mid-March, with the European inflation news and China demand picture knocking the euro to its lowest in two months too. German import prices fell at an annual rate of 7% in April and the ECB's financial stability report warned about a "disorderly" hit to house prices from higher mortgage rates. The House Rules Committee voted 7-6 on Tuesday to approve the rules allowing a debate and vote by the full chamber. Overall, stock markets slipped back slightly - with Hong Kong's Hang Seng index the big underperformer after the Chinese factory release.

Persons: Mike Dolan, Loretta Mester, Philip Jefferson, Susan Collins, Patrick Harker, Christine Lagarde, Jane Merriman Organizations: Federal Reserve, Cleveland Fed, Wednesday's Financial, European Central Bank, Dallas Fed, Boston, Philadelphia Fed, Consumer, Thomson, Reuters Locations: U.S, Europe, China, Italy, Chicago

And an increase in underlying core inflation to 4.7%, up from a 4.6% pace in March, underscored the less-than-steady progress on the Fed's inflation fight. In March Mester had already expected the Fed to raise the policy rate beyond its current 5.00%-5.25% range. Fed policymakers also say they are watching credit conditions closely, though Mester on Friday said that so far she's not seeing worrisome "extra" tightening from the recent regional bank failures. Odds in futures markets are running three to one in favor of a rate hike by then. Other Fed policymakers have echoed that hawkish call.

SINGAPORE, May 17 (Reuters) - The dollar rose on Wednesday, benefiting from its status as a safe-haven amid the risk of a U.S. debt default and as traders trimmed bets on imminent Federal Reserve rate cuts following solid consumer spending data in the United States. Against a basket of peers, including the euro, yen and sterling, the dollar index rose 0.3% to 102.96, to its highest since early April. Expectations for U.S. interest rate cuts any time soon were dampened by the solid increase in April consumer spending, and by comments from Fed officials. "A rate hike is possible this year, though the hurdle is high." The New Zealand dollar was broadly steady at $0.6232, with investors looking ahead to a 25 bp interest rate hike next week and perhaps one more after that.

☆ U.S. debt drama and data hoist dollar
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Tom Westbrook | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The dollar hit a two-week peak of 136.69 yen overnight and hovered just below that at 136.54 in the Asia day. Expectations for U.S. interest rate cuts any time soon were dampened by the solid increase in April consumer spending, and by hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials. "We expect some modest further increases in the dollar as markets continue to take out pricing for rate cuts," said Commonwealth Bank of Australia strategist Joe Capurso. "A rate hike is possible this year, though the hurdle is high." The New Zealand dollar was broadly steady at $0.6244, with investors looking ahead to a 25 bp interest rate hike next week and perhaps one more after that.

☆ Data and debt ceiling hoist dollar
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Tom Westbrook | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Data showed U.S. consumer spending appeared to have increased solidly in April, which together with hawkish remarks from Federal Reserve officials weighed on bonds and against expectations that interest rate cuts are coming soon. Interest rate futures pricing implies no chance of a rate cut in June, down from about a 17% chance seen a month ago. "Market participants continue to lower pricing for near term rate cuts by the FOMC," said Commonwealth Bank of Australia strategist Joe Capurso. "We expect some modest further increases in the dollar as markets continue to take out pricing for rate cuts. The New Zealand dollar was broadly steady at $0.6239, with investors looking ahead to a 25 bp interest rate next week and perhaps one more after that.

☆ Wall Street closes lower after Home Depot outlook, US retail sales
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Chuck Mikolajczak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The Commerce Department reported retail sales rose 0.4% in April, short of the estimate for an increase of 0.8%. That slowing along with recent negotiations over the U.S. debt ceiling has focused attention on when the central bank will pause hiking, or cut interest rates. While the market is currently pricing in a rate cut by the end of the year, recent comments from Fed officials suggested they are not ready to cut rates soon. Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester said she does not think the central bank can hold interest rates steady yet. (This story has been corrected to say 'a rate cut,' instead of 'a rate hike,' in paragraph 8)Reporting by Shreyashi Sanyal in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju SamuelOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Treasury yields mixed as investors weigh U.S. economic outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Sophie Kiderlin | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

One basis point is equivalent to 0.01%. ET, the yield on the 10-year Treasury was down by close to two basis point to 3.5301%. Meanwhile, the 2-year Treasury yield was last trading over one basis point higher at 4.0886%. U.S Treasury yields were mixed on Wednesday as investors assessed what could be next for the economy amid concerns about the debt ceiling and a recession. On Wednesday, investors will be following further Fed speaker comments, as well as the release of building permit and housing starts data for April.

☆ Indian rupee to resume decline as yuan slides to 7/dollar
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Nimesh Vora | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MUMBAI, May 17 (Reuters) - The Indian rupee is expected to decline on Wednesday after the Chinese yuan dropped to its lowest level this year to the U.S. dollar. Non-deliverable forwards indicate that the rupee will open at around 82.28-82.30 to the U.S. dollar, compared with 82.2050 in the previous session. The offshore yuan, bogged down by the resurgent dollar, dropped below 7 to the dollar for the first time this year. U.S. retail sales rose 0.4% month-on-month in April, with control retail sales up by a robust 0.7%. 15** NSDL data shows foreign investors sold a net $43.2mln worth of Indian bonds on May.

☆ Morning bid: Fed rates to stay higher for longer, debt drama goes on
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee told Bloomberg on Tuesday that it was "too premature" to be discussing interest rate cuts. Loretta Mester, the President at the Cleveland Fed, said they're not at the point where rates can be kept on hold. The chance of a rate cut as early as June has also disappeared, according to the pricing of interest rate futures, having stood at almost 20% a month ago. DEBT CEILING OPTIMISMWith just over two weeks until a possible U.S. debt default unless Congress votes to raise the debt ceiling past its $31.3 trillion limit, talks appear to be heading toward a positive outcome. Biden, who will be travelling to Japan on Wednesday, is set to cut his trip short and skip stops in Australia and Papua New Guinea amid the debt ceiling stand-off.

☆ S&P 500, Dow fall, dragged by Home Depot outlook, US retail sales
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Chuck Mikolajczak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Home Depot (HD.N) shed 1.73%, the biggest drag on the Dow Industrials and among the heaviest weights on the S&P 500 after the home improvement retailer cut its annual sales forecast and projected a steeper-than-expected decline in profit. The Commerce Department reported retail sales rose 0.4% in April, short of the estimate for an increase of 0.8%. That slowing along with recent negotiations over the U.S. debt ceiling has focused attention on when the central bank will pause hiking, or cut interest rates. Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester said she does not think the central bank can hold interest rates steady yet. The S&P 500 posted 10 new 52-week highs and 12 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 42 new highs and 163 new lows.

The Commerce Department reported retail sales rose 0.4% in April, at half the pace against an expected increase of 0.8%. "The retail sales data has been positive in several months, but it's still weak," said Jamie Cox, managing partner at Harris Financial Group. You are probably seeing the end of the decline in retail sales, but it's not going to be a smooth ride from here." Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) component Home Depot (HD.N) shed 1.4%, hitting its lowest level in over six months after the company lowered its annual sales forecast. Shares of Capital One Financial Corp (COF.N) jumped 2.4%, rising the most on the S&P 500, after Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N) on Monday disclosed it has begun investing in the consumer lender.

The Commerce Department reported retail sales rose 0.4% in April, at half the pace against an expected increase of 0.8%. "The retail sales data has been positive in several months, but it's still weak," said Jamie Cox, managing partner at Harris Financial Group. You are probably seeing the end of the decline in retail sales, but it's not going to be a smooth ride from here." The S&P 500 retail index (.SPXRT) lost 0.6%. Shares of Capital One Financial Corp (COF.N) jumped 5.4%, rising the most on the S&P 500, after Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N) on Monday disclosed it has begun investing in the consumer lender.

☆ Retail sales rose 0.4% in April, less than expected as consumers struggle with inflation
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Consumers barely kept up with inflation in April, as retail sales increased but fell short of expectations, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. The advanced sales report showed an increase of 0.4%, below the Dow Jones estimate for 0.8%. Excluding auto-related figures, sales increased 0.4%, which was in line with expectations. As the numbers are not adjusted for inflation, the headline increase equaled the 0.4% monthly rise in the consumer price index. Miscellaneous store retailers led gainers with a 2.4% increase, while online sales rose 1.2% and health and personal care retailers saw a 0.9% rise.

☆ A 31-year market vet who called the current bear market warns an impending credit crunch and recession will sink stocks by 45% as valuations remain higher than dot-com bubble levels
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Indicators like initial and continuing unemployment claims and loan demand show weakness. A recession paired with high valuations spells trouble for stocks, he said. For example, the number of initial unemployment claims is starting to jump at a recessionary pace, Wolfenbarger said. The four-week moving average of initial unemployment claims has risen 29% over the last eight months. Hussman FundsWhat others are sayingMany market onlookers have highlighted high stock market valuations in recent weeks.

☆ Morning Bid: Markets on hold for US CPI
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Tom WestbrookSterling and the euro seem to be losing steam as currency markets tuck themselves in for a nap. Today's inflation data, due at 1230 GMT, could offer a jolt if the surprise factor is big enough. Economists polled by Reuters see core CPI steady at a monthly 0.4%. Beyond the inflation data, U.S. default risks and banking wobbles loom as the next likely focus. Key developments that could influence markets on Wednesday:U.S. CPI dataReporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Edwina GibbsOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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