Weekly Stock Market Update & SPY Technical Analysis The anticipated January market boom has, so far, turned into a bust. However, with several weeks left in the month, there is still time for a turnaround. Key economic data releases, a presidential inauguration, and the start of earnings season remain on the calendar. If these events yield positive outcomes—especially in terms of economic data and corporate earnings—they could propel the market to new highs. What Has Happened So Far Since the start of the year, markets have digested new unemployment data released last week, which exceeded expectations. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped from 4.2% to 4.1%. While markets didn’t immediately react, this improvement adds to the growing list of...
Weekly Stock Market Update & SPY Technical Analysis Inflation and Economic Trends: Inflation data has dominated the spotlight over the past three years, with the rate climbing as high as 9.1% at one point. This surge forced the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to 5.50% in an effort to control prices. Despite the Fed’s aggressive approach, inflation has not successfully fallen below the 2% target, and rising unemployment eventually compelled them to cut rates before achieving their goal. Looking ahead, the labor market is likely to be a key focus in 2025, with this week’s data being the first in a series of critical reports to monitor. Investors are eagerly awaiting December’s ADP Employment Report and the U.S....
Weekly Stock Market Update & SPY Technical Analysis Investors are preparing to wrap up the final days of the year, with many wondering whether indexes will close near their record highs. This year, the Dow Jones surpassed 40,000 for the first time, the S&P 500 exceeded 6,000, and the Nasdaq climbed above the 20,000 mark. These psychological milestones were reached due to the bullish momentum seen throughout the year. However, momentum has shifted in recent weeks as investors await the start of the new year. A new year often brings fresh opportunities, but it takes time to evaluate where capital will flow and which sectors will dominate. Currently, industries like artificial intelligence, data centers, autonomous driving, quantum computing, robotics,...
Weekly Stock Market Update & SPY Technical Analysis Investors are gearing up for a shortened holiday week as markets will close early on Tuesday at 1 PM ET and remain fully closed on Wednesday for Christmas. Despite the holiday, this week’s developments will be closely monitored following last week’s spike in market volatility and key events. Markets are still digesting a slew of economic updates from last week, including the Fed’s FOMC meeting and interest rate decision, Q3 GDP data, December’s Consumer Sentiment report, and the PCE inflation index. These reports have left investors uncertain about the road ahead. The Fed’s commentary last week was mixed, with the primary takeaway being that fewer interest rate cuts than previously anticipated are...
Weekly Stock Market Update & SPY Technical Analysis Last week, the markets edged to new all-time highs, but both volume and buying momentum showed signs of slowing as traders and investors await the Federal Reserve's final interest rate decision of the year. The FOMC meeting on Wednesday will determine whether the Fed continues its path of interest rate cuts or holds steady. Earlier this month, further rate cuts seemed like a straightforward decision, but recent economic data has complicated the picture. Reports of rising inflation suggest that this year’s rate cuts may have already begun to push inflation in the wrong direction. At the same time, the U.S. unemployment rate has been creeping upward, adding another layer of complexity. ...
