Premarket Single-Stock Futures Dip Extends Holiday-Shortened Trading Week Losses
Stock futures faced a decline in premarket trading, continuing a losing streak to commence the holiday-shortened trading week. Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 157 points, signalling a 0.42% decrease, while S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq-100 futures slipped 0.57% and 0.83%, respectively.
FedWatch Tool Indicates Rate Cut Expectations
Traders are currently pricing in a 65% chance that the Federal Reserve will initiate rate cuts in March, reflecting hopes for a policy pivot, according to CME Group’s FedWatch tool. This expectation adds a layer of complexity to market dynamics.
As fourth-quarter earnings gain steam, Wall Street is closely watching major players like Charles Schwab, U.S. Bancorp, and Prologis. Additionally, economic indicators such as December retail sales and the Federal Reserve’s beige book will contribute to shaping market expectations for 2024.
Global Hot Futures: Asian Shares Mostly Lower
Asian shares experienced a predominantly lower trend following Wall Street’s overnight decline. While Tokyo’s benchmark hit a 30-year high momentarily, U.S. shares were set to drift lower. The Nikkei 225 in Japan experienced profit-taking, ending down 0.4%, and other markets in Asia also faced varying degrees of decline.
China’s Economic Insights and Market Sentiment
China reported fourth-quarter GDP figures slightly below expectations, with its economy growing 5.2% in the October to December quarter. Despite geopolitical headwinds and concerns about China’s economic growth, analysts remain optimistic for 2024, anticipating strong growth in managed futures’ earnings per share for S&P 500 companies and potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Investors are closely monitoring upcoming earnings reports and central bank moves for cues on market direction.
Energy Stock Market Flotation
In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude and Brent crude experienced losses. The U.S. dollar edged up in currency trading against the Japanese yen, while the euro saw a slight decrease against the dollar. These fluctuations reflect the intricate dynamics of global markets as investors navigate through economic indicators and corporate performances.
Earnings Season Impact on Tuesday’s Session
Interactive Brokers experienced a nearly 3% drop in extended trading following lower-than-expected fourth-quarter adjusted earnings. This comes as the earnings season gains momentum, contributing to a cautious market sentiment.
Tuesday’s session witnessed lower single-stock futures, influenced by the ongoing fourth-quarter earnings season and the 10-year Treasury note yield surpassing 4% after Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller’s commentary. The Dow Jones futures fell 231.86 points, the S&P 500 slipped 0.37%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.19%.
