Rosalind Evans
As we enter 2024, the first real trading week of the year is poised to be a defining moment for financial markets. Last week, though marking the official start of trading, was subdued due to low investor engagement. However, this week promises heightened activity and more explicit market directions. From the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to big bank earnings and significant events like JPMorgan’s healthcare conference and CES, all eyes are on how these factors will steer market trends.
Joseph Brusuelas, Chief Economist at RSM US, sheds light on the current market scenario in an interview with ‘Before the Bell.’ He highlights the remarkable strength of the US labour market, which saw a 2.7 million job increase in 2023 and an average unemployment rate of 3.6% – the best since the 1950s. With a notable 2.3% rise in productivity, Brusuelas asserts that the US is moving beyond the pandemic, anticipating a drop in inflation closer to 2% by year-end.
Addressing the upcoming CPI report, Brusuelas anticipates it to reveal falling energy and gasoline prices, a decline in US car prices, and a focus on housing and service inflation. This data is crucial for market responses, especially concerning the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts, which are expected not due to economic weakness but because of overly restrictive policy rates.
Investors are also keenly awaiting the fourth-quarter earnings of central banks, which are likely to reflect improvements in fixed-income and equity trading. These earnings will be significant in gauging the financial sector’s health, especially amidst challenges in retail lending and the housing sector.
In other news, Tesla’s performance has been a standout, with its shares surging by 124% in the previous year. This contrasts sharply with the losses short sellers face, who bet against the company’s stock value, resulting in a combined loss of $12.2 billion in 2023.
Meanwhile, Boeing faces renewed scrutiny over safety issues following an emergency landing by an Alaska Airlines flight, further impacting its stock value.
This week marks a critical juncture in 2024’s financial narrative. With key economic reports, corporate earnings, and industry-specific developments converging, investors and analysts alike are poised to gain clarity on the market’s trajectory. Amidst these developments, the overarching themes of economic recovery, policy shifts, and corporate performances will play pivotal roles in shaping the investment landscape.
