Macro Matters – Weekly review, w/c February 5

US stocks surged to record highs as strong earnings and a stellar employment report buoyed markets. The Fed dampened hopes for March rate cuts, while the Bank of England maintained a cautious stance. Key earnings from Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon exceeded expectations, and US job growth far outpaced forecasts.

TradeDay Macro Matters

Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Developments

US Stocks Up Again: Major indexes reached new record highs, driven by Big Tech earnings and a strong employment report.

Fed Dampens March Rate Cut Hopes: Powell signals a cautious approach to rate cuts, reducing market expectations.

Bank of England Cautious: The BoE maintained interest rates amid a split in policymaker opinions.

Earnings Recap: Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon delivered standout financial results.

US Employment Report Far Better than Expected: January job creation exceeded forecasts, signaling labor market strength.

What’s Ahead

Central Bank Watch:

• Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Interest Rate Decision, Statement, and Press Conference.

• Ongoing focus on Fed speakers and their comments.

Macro Data Watch:

• Monday, February 5: Global Services and Composite PMI, US ISM Services PMI.

• Tuesday, February 6: RBA Interest Rate Decision, EU Retail Sales (MoM, YoY).

• Wednesday, February 7: No major data expected.

• Thursday, February 8: China CPI (MoM, YoY) and PPI (YoY).

• Friday, February 9: German Consumer Prices (MoM, YoY), Canada Employment Report.

Earnings Watch:

• Monday, February 5: McDonald’s, Caterpillar, Sony.

• Tuesday, February 6: Eli Lilly, Linde, Amgen.

• Wednesday, February 7: Walt Disney, Uber.

• Thursday, February 8: AstraZeneca, Philip Morris, S&P Global.

• Friday, February 9: Pepsi.