
TradeDay Macro Matters
Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Developments
• Stocks Rally, Reversing 2024 Correction Sell-Off:
After a weak start to the year, US markets rebounded, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones posting strong gains. Bargain hunting and easing inflation concerns drove the rally, complemented by a 6% weekly surge in Japan’s Nikkei 225.
• US CPI Slightly Hotter Than Expected:
December’s CPI rose 3.4% annually, slightly above expectations, driven by elevated shelter costs. Core CPI also edged higher, signaling a slower path to the Fed’s 2% inflation target.
• US Earnings Season Kicks Off:
Major banks reported mixed results:
• JPMorgan: 15% profit decline but revenues rose 12% to $39.94 billion.
• Bank of America: Profit declined, but adjusted earnings exceeded forecasts at $0.70 per share.
• Wells Fargo: Strong Q4 results with $3.45 billion in net income.
• BlackRock: Adjusted earnings beat estimates at $9.66 per share.
• Citigroup: Posted a $1.8 billion loss due to restructuring costs.
• Bank of NY Mellon: Continued trend of surpassing earnings expectations.
• Oil Rallies Amid Middle Eastern Tensions:
Brent crude surged 2.09% to $79.03 per barrel as geopolitical tensions escalated, reversing earlier declines from Saudi price cuts.
• European Central Bank Dovish Tone:
ECB President Christine Lagarde signaled rates have peaked, with potential cuts contingent on inflation stabilizing at 2%.
• SEC Approves Bitcoin ETFs:
Approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs opens the cryptocurrency market to institutional investors, marking a regulatory shift and paving the way for potential approvals of other cryptocurrency ETFs.
• Davos 2024 World Economic Forum:
Global leaders convened under the theme “Rebuilding Trust,” addressing economic growth, AI, and climate change. India played a prominent role, aligning with its “Credible India” vision.
• MLK US Holiday:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on January 15, closing US equity and bond markets, with shortened futures trading hours.
What’s Ahead
Central Bank Watch:
• A quiet week for central banks, with a focus on Fed speakers ahead of their blackout period.
Macro Data Watch:
• Monday, January 15: EU Industrial Production, US MLK Holiday.
• Tuesday, January 16: German CPI, UK Employment, EU ZEW Survey, Canada CPI.
• Wednesday, January 17: China GDP, UK and EU CPI, US Retail Sales.
• Thursday, January 18: Australian Employment Report.
• Friday, January 19: Japan CPI, UK Retail Sales, Michigan Consumer Sentiment.
Earnings Watch:
• Tuesday, January 16: Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs.
• Wednesday, January 17: Prologis, Charles Schwab.
• Thursday, January 18: Truist Financial Corp.
• Friday, January 19: Schlumberger, Travelers, State Street.