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☆ Dollar rises ahead of Powell speech; China data knocks commodities
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Amanda Cooper | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Beyond China, investor focus remains on the U.S. interest rate outlook and what Powell may say. If a similar message is conveyed by Chair Powell, we could see U.S. Treasury yields rising again and the dollar reversing back to an uptrend," they said. The MSCI All-World index of global shares (.MIWD00000PUS) edged down by 0.1%, but held near Monday's two-week highs. That pushed the Australian dollar to a more than two-month low of $0.6664, marking a loss of 1% on the day. The dollar pared earlier losses against the yen to trade up 0.2% at 136.19, near last week's 2023 high at 137.10.

ET (1500 GMT), with investors awaiting his comments on the Fed's steps aimed at bringing inflation towards its 2% target. Rising bond yields tend to weigh on equity valuations, particularly those of growth and technology stocks, as higher rates reduce the value of future cash flows. Traders see Fed fund rates peaking at 5.46% by September, from the current 4.67%. ET, Dow e-minis were up 12 points, or 0.04%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 5.5 points, or 0.14%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 29.25 points, or 0.24%. Reporting by Sruthi Shankar and Bansari Mayur Kamdar in Bengaluru Editing by Vinay DwivediOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Dollar inches up ahead of Powell speech; China data knocks oil
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Amanda Cooper | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Crude shipments into China fell in January and February, stirring concern about demand in the world's largest importer, which weighed on the oil price. Beyond China, investor focus remains on the U.S. interest rate outlook and what Powell may say. The dollar edged up against a basket of major currencies, thanks to gains against the Aussie dollar and the euro, which fell 0.2% to $1.0661. The dollar lost 0.2% against the yen to trade at 135.69, below last week's 2023 high at 137.10. Chinese trade data on Tuesday showed a pickup in crude oil imports - a sign of a likely improvement in energy demand.

☆ Asian stocks slip on weak China trade data, focus shifts to Powell
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Scott Murdoch | Thomson Reuters | Scott Murdoch Has Been A Journalist For More Than Two Decades Working For Thomson Reuters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Data on Tuesday showed China's exports and imports both fell sharply in January-February, reflecting a slowdown in the global economy and weak domestic demand. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) fell 0.3%, although the index is up 2.9% so far this month. Beyond China, investor focus remains on the U.S. interest rate outlook and what Powell may say. The two-year yield , which rises with traders' expectations of higher Fed fund rates, touched 4.88% compared with a U.S. close of 4.894%. In early European trade, the pan-region Euro Stoxx 50 futures were up 0.12%, German DAX futures rose 0.11% at and FTSE futures were 0.23% higher.

☆ Futures subdued after strong week on Wall Street
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies Futures: Dow off 0.09%, S&P slips 0.04%, Nasdaq up 0.04%March 6 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures were subdued on Monday as investors awaited Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's testimony and monthly payrolls report this week for cues on the central bank's interest-rate trajectory. "But it's always possible that a word like 'disinflation' slips out of his mouth, and that we get a boost on risk." Traders expect at least three 25-basis-point rate hikes this year and see rates peaking at 5.44% by September from 4.67% now. ET, Dow e-minis were down 31 points, or 0.09%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 1.75 points, or 0.04%, while Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 5.25 points, or 0.04%. Reporting by Sruthi Shankar and Bansari Mayur Kamdar in Bengaluru Editing by Vinay DwivediOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Futures rise as yields retreat from highs
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield fell on Friday after touching a four-month high in the previous session but stayed above the 4% level. Central bank officials including Bostic and Fed Dallas President Lorie Logan are scheduled to speak later in the day. ET, Dow e-minis were up 82 points, or 0.25%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 13 points, or 0.33%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 35 points, or 0.29%. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE.N) rose 2.3% after the laptop maker gave an upbeat full-year earnings forecast. Reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'SilvaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Asian stocks gain as prospects of China recovery, and Fed caution
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Julie Zhu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

HONG KONG, March 3 (Reuters) - Asian shares rose on Friday on prospects for a steady economic recovery in China, and after Wall Street reversed losses overnight following remarks by the Atlanta Federal Reserve chief that signalled a measured approach raising U.S. interest rates. Global markets have been buffeted by a raft of strong U.S. data over recent weeks, including U.S. jobless claims overnight, that suggested the Fed would need to keep rates higher for longer. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) was up 0.7%, on track for its first weekly rise in five. U.S. stocks rose on Thursday, reversing earlier losses, as Treasury yields pulled back from earlier highs, following the rates comments from Atlanta Fed President Bostic. The two-year yield , which rises with traders' expectations of higher Fed fund rates, rose to 4.8879%compared with a U.S. close of 4.904%.

☆ Asian stocks up on hopes Fed will adopt slow approach to more hikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Julie Zhu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

HONG KONG, March 3 (Reuters) - Asian shares rose on Friday after Wall Street reversed losses on signals of a measured policy tightening approach from the U.S. Federal Reserve as well as on prospects of a solid economic recovery in China. Australian shares (.AXJO) were up 0.36%, helped by gains in miners and financials, while Japan's Nikkei stock index (.N225) rose 1.42%. U.S. stocks rose on Thursday, reversing earlier losses, as Treasury yields pulled back from earlier highs, following the rates comments from Atlanta Fed President Bostic. read moreThe yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes touched 4.0556% compared with its U.S. close of 4.073% on Thursday. The two-year yield , which rises with traders' expectations of higher Fed fund rates, rose to 4.8913%compared with a U.S. close of 4.904%.

Futures extended losses after data showed the number of Americans filing new unemployment claims fell again last week, pointing to sustained labor-market strength. Another set of data showed non-farm unit labor costs were revised to 3.2% in the fourth quarter, against economists' estimate of a 1.6% rise. The two-year yield , which best reflects short-term rate expectations, hit a fresh 15-year high at 4.94%. The benchmark S&P 500 (.SPX) and the tech-heavy Nasdaq (.IXIC) fell on Wednesday after data showed U.S. manufacturing contracted for a fourth straight month in February, although raw material prices increased last month. ET, Dow e-minis were up 56 points, or 0.17%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 21.75 points, or 0.55%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 107 points, or 0.89%.

☆ Futures rise in positive start to March
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies Futures up: Dow 0.22%, S&P 0.31%, Nasdaq 0.50%March 1 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures rose on Wednesday, putting Wall Street on course for a positive start to March, as strong Chinese manufacturing data outweighed concerns that the Federal Reserve's policies will remain restrictive for longer. Traders are pricing in expectations that the Fed will raise rates in coming months to a 5.25%-5.50% range, from the current 4.50%-4.75% range. That's slightly higher than where Fed policymakers in December signaled they would need to take the policy rate. ET, Dow e-minis were up 71 points, or 0.22%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 12.25 points, or 0.31%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 60 points, or 0.5%. The electric carmaker is readying a production revamp of its top-selling Model Y, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the plan.

Data showed the U.S. trade deficit in goods increased moderately in January, with both imports and exports rising solidly. FEDWATCHBofA Global Research warned the Fed could even hike interest rates to nearly 6%. "We're talking about stickier inflation in the economy and higher interest rates for longer. ET, Dow e-minis were up 43 points, or 0.13%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 3.5 points, or 0.09%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 2.25 points, or 0.02%. The three main indexes are headed for monthly declines, with the blue-chip Dow (.DJI) in the red for the year.

☆ Futures slip as yields rise on bets of higher rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The gains, however, were not enough to reverse monthly losses for the three main indexes, with the blue-chip Dow (.DJI) in the red for the year after strong economic data suggested the Federal Reserve could keep interest rates higher for longer. FEDWATCHThe yield on two-year Treasury notes , which track investors' expectations of the path of interest rates, rose to 4.8%, trading just below a near four-month high hit in the previous session. Yields are climbing higher in the U.S. and that's pushing down equity markets," said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets. "We're talking about stickier inflation in the economy and higher interest rates for longer. ET, Dow e-minis were down 25 points, or 0.08%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 4 points, or 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 18.25 points, or 0.15%.

☆ Wall Street set for opening gains after sharp weekly losses
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Sruthi Shankar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Futures pointed to a recovery in sentiment on Monday as U.S. Treasury yields slipped after a strong rally. Rate-sensitive growth stocks such as Apple Inc (AAPL.O) and Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) climbed in premarket trading. So investors are concluding from a seasonal perspective that maybe stocks could rally at least in the near term." After last week's hawkish comments from the Fed policymakers, investors will turn to Fed Governor Philip Jefferson's speech later in the day. Seagen Inc (SGEN.O) surged 13.2% after the Wall Street Journal reported that Pfizer (PFE.N) was in early talks to acquire the biotech firm.

☆ Futures rise after Wall Street's worst weekly rout of 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies Futures up: Dow 0.41%, S&P 0.46%, Nasdaq 0.53%Feb 27 (Reuters) - Futures tracking the main U.S. indexes rose on Monday after Wall Street posted its worst weekly performance of 2023 on fears that the Federal Reserve would keep raising rates this year. Futures pointed to a slight recovery in market sentiment on Monday as some of the rate-sensitive growth stocks rose in premarket trading. ET, Dow e-minis were up 135 points, or 0.41%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 18.25 points, or 0.46%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 64 points, or 0.53%. Seagen Inc (SGEN.O) surged 14.9% after the Wall Street Journal reported that Pfizer (PFE.N) was in early talks to acquire the biotech firm. Reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb ChakrabartyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation, shot up 0.6% last month after gaining 0.2% in December. In the 12 months through January, the PCE index accelerated 5.4% after rising 5.3% in December. "This PCE number, which to me is a vital number, clearly suggests that the Fed has more to do. ET, Dow e-minis were down 352 points, or 1.06%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 48.25 points, or 1.2%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 202.5 points, or 1.66%. A string of Fed policymakers including Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester and Boston Fed President Susan Collins are also slated to speak.

☆ Wall St set for higher open as Nvidia outweighs Fed jitters
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Johann M Cherian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Futures cut some gains after data showed the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week. "Markets are tracking the earnings reports overnight from Nvidia," said Robert Pavlik, senior portfolio manager at Dakota Wealth. ET, Dow e-minis were up 39 points, or 0.12%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 15 points, or 0.38%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 106.25 points, or 0.88%. Analysts polled by Reuters predict a correction within the next three months even though they expect the S&P 500 (.SPX) to climb 5% by year-end. Moderna Inc (MRNA.O) fell 4.4% after the vaccine maker reaffirmed its annual sales forecast of $5 billion for its COVID-19 vaccines despite its fourth-quarter sales exceeding estimates.

☆ Short-dated options trade behind Thursday's U.S. stock market choppiness -Nomura's McElligott
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Saqib Iqbal Ahmed | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Some 26,000 Feb 23 put options on S&P 500 e-minis futures with a strike price corresponding to the 4,000 level were bought early in Thursday’s session, McElligott said in a note. In addition, as the market declines the options dealers have to sell increasing amounts of stock futures to remain hedged. Those trades generated some $2 billion in selling pressure and likely contributed to the index’s intraday reversal, McElligot said. Selling pressure could rise to as much as $5 billion if market declines accelerate, he added. Trading in short-dated options contracts, or 0DTE- zero days to expiry contracts - have garnered attention on Wall Street in recent months, drawing record volumes and boosting worries about their role in aggravating intraday stock price swings.

☆ Wall St set for higher open as investors focus on Fed minutes
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Johann M Cherian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SummarySummary Companies Fed minutes due at 2:00 p.m. U.S. stocks shed more than 2% on Tuesday as investors worried that a rebound in U.S. business activity in February could mean interest rates might need to stay higher for longer. ET (1900 GMT), are expected to detail the breadth of debate at the central bank over how much further interest rates may need to be raised to slow inflation. However, stocks have had a volatile run in February as traders priced in higher interest rates for longer, considering inflation remains above the 2% target in the face of a sturdy economy. Money market participants expect rates to peak at 5.35% by July and stay around those levels till the end of 2023.

☆ Futures stable after Wall St rout on rate worries
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ET (1900 GMT), is anticipated to detail the breadth of debate at the central bank over how much further interest rates may need to be raised to slow inflation. Money market participants expect rates to peak at 5.35% by July and stay around those levels till the end of 2023. ET, Dow e-minis were up 26 points, or 0.08%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 2.5 points, or 0.06%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 12 points, or 0.1%. St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said rates will have to go north of 5% to tame inflation. Reporting by Johann M Cherian and Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun KoyyurOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Futures fall as Home Depot outlook disappoints
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Investors will be focusing on retail giant Walmart Inc's (WMT.N) results due later in the day. ET, Dow e-minis were down 264 points, or 0.78%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 30.75 points, or 0.75%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 110.25 points, or 0.89%. Money market participants see the benchmark level peaking to a 5.3% in July, and staying near those levels throughout the year. Yield on the U.S. benchmark 10-year Treasury note edged higher, in turn pressuring rate-sensitive growth stocks. Reporting by Johann M Cherian and Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb ChakrabartyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Wall St eyes lower open as producer prices rebound
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Johann M Cherian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

A Labor Department report showed producer prices climbed 0.7% in January after a 0.2% fall in the previous month. "You're also seeing the job market still very strong as well, with claims coming in less than expected," Zaccarelli added. ET, Dow e-minis were down 274 points, or 0.8%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 47.5 points, or 1.14%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 185.75 points, or 1.46%. Traders will also scrutinize remarks from other Fed officials, including St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, to assess the central bank's tone on monetary policy. Reporting by Johann M Cherian and Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'SilvaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

SummarySummary Companies Retail sales up 3% in Jan vs. est. A Commerce Department report showed retail sales surged 3% in January, driven by purchases of motor vehicles and other goods. "These numbers (retail sales) beat consensus by a long shot and it just shows that the consumer is still in a good spot," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities in New York. Of the more than half of the S&P 500 firms that have reported results so far, nearly 70% have topped profit expectations, as per Refinitiv data. ET, Dow e-minis were down 82 points, or 0.24%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 11.25 points, or 0.27%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 25.5 points, or 0.2%.

Futures were volatile after the Labor Department report showed consumer prices climbed 0.5% in January following a 0.1% rise in December. That was the smallest gain since October 2021 but slightly above market forecast of a 6.2% rise. "I don't think (this report) moves the needle for the Fed, and I suspect they're taking a hard look at the data. Money market traders have priced in at least two more 25 basis point rate hikes this year and see interest rates peaking at 5.2% by July. Coca-Cola Co (KO.N) slipped 0.4% despite a strong full-year profit forecast from the soda maker.

☆ Nasdaq futures edge higher as battered megacaps rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A fall in Treasury note yields indicate traders expect greater return from investments in risky assets. The major U.S. stock indexes ended the week previous lower, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq (.IXIC) clocking its first weekly loss this year. Investor sentiment was dented by fresh concerns that the Federal Reserve would keep higher interest rates for longer. ET, Dow e-minis were down 18 points, or 0.05%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 4.5 points, or 0.11%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 50.5 points, or 0.41%. Reporting by Johann M Cherian in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju SamuelOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Futures fall amid rising yields; Lyft sinks on dour profit outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SummarySummary Companies Futures down: Nasdaq 0.79%, S&P 0.37%, Dow 0.18%Feb 10 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures slipped on Friday, with megacap growth companies under pressure after Treasury yields extended gains, while shares of Lyft plunged as the ride-hailing firm forecast current-quarter profit far below estimates. The Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) eyed its first weekly fall this year, tracking declines of nearly 2%. U.S. stock indexes fell in the previous session as Treasury yields gained after an auction of 30-year bonds went poorly. Rising Treasury yields put valuations of growth stocks under pressure, which was also a recurring theme for 2022. ET, Dow e-minis were down 60 points, or 0.18%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 15 points, or 0.37%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 97.75 points, or 0.79%.

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