interest rate

Investors are preparing to conclude a prosperous year in the stock market. As of mid-November, the S&P 500 has surged by 18%, surpassing the 10% average price gain for the broad-market index. This upward trend has persisted despite Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, ongoing inflation, and geopolitical tensions, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the stock market.

Key events: USA - Average Hourly Earnings (MoM) (Aug) USA - Nonfarm Payrolls (Aug) USA - Unemployment Rate (Aug) USA - ISM Manufacturing PMI (Aug)   ISM Manufacturing Prices (Aug) US equities were on an upward trajectory as August came to a close, bolstered by the anticipation of Friday's employment report for the same month.

Derivatives are financial instruments that play a crucial role in modern financial markets, offering investors and businesses a wide range of benefits and opportunities. These instruments derive their value from an underlying asset, such as stocks, commodities, currencies, or indices, and are utilized for hedging, speculation, and managing investment exposure. Understanding the concept of derivatives and their various types is essential for navigating the complexities of the financial world effectively.

Key events: UK - Retail Sales (MoM) (Jun) Canada - Retail Sales (MoM) (May) On Thursday, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq experienced declines due to the disappointing quarterly results of Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX). However, the Dow managed to continue its positive streak for the ninth consecutive day, thanks to Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) posting a strong annual forecast, which boosted its share prices.

The dot plot produced by the Federal Reserve has gained immense attention and scrutiny in global financial markets. Since January 2012, the Fed has periodically updated this scatter chart, making it the unofficial forecast of the US central bank's monetary policy, whether intended or not. Additionally, it serves as a valuable source of insights into dissent within the Fed's policy-making committee, despite its cryptic nature and the challenges associated with interpreting it accurately.

The US dollar is one of the most widely traded currencies in the world and plays a crucial role in international trade and finance. As a result, many factors can impact the value of the US dollar, including economic indicators, geopolitical events, and changes in monetary policy. Understanding the various factors that affect the US dollar rate is essential for investors, traders, and businesses who rely on the currency for their transactions.

Looks like a bull market in the US market has begun - the S&P 500 index is up more than 20% against the October lows, and the Fed has made a long-awaited pause in the interest rate hike cycle.  And as the market sentiment shifts from bearish to bullish, investors are seeking opportunities to capitalize on the upward trend. So today we will talk about factors signaling a bull market is here, as well as strategies and tips to consider so you can get the most out of this market situation.

Key events: UK - GDP (MoM) (Apr) USA - PPI (MoM) (May) USA - Crude Oil Inventories USA - FOMC Economic Projections   USA - FOMC Statement    USA - Fed Interest Rate Decision USA - FOMC Press Conference On Tuesday, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq achieved their highest closing points in 14 months. This surge was fueled by data indicating a modest increase in consumer prices in May, which raised expectations that the Federal Reserve would not raise interest rates during its meeting on Wednesday.

Key events: USA - Initial Jobless Claims     Investor sentiment was mixed in the US stock market as market participants awaited the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting and new information regarding inflation. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up by 27 points or 0.1%, while the S&P 500 declined by 0.1%, and the NASDAQ Composite dropped by 0.5%.

Key events:  Canada - Core Retail Sales (MoM) (Mar) USA - Fed Chair Powell Speaks Eurozone - ECB President Lagarde Speaks Continuing their upward momentum, US stocks closed higher for a second consecutive day on Thursday, fueled by growing optimism surrounding a potential US debt ceiling agreement anticipated to be reached in the coming days.