
TradeDay Macro Matters
Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Developments
• Stocks and Bonds Sell Off, Partially Correcting November-December Gains:
Wall Street saw a significant downturn to start 2024, with the S&P 500 snapping a 10-week winning streak. Concerns over Federal Reserve policy and a hotter-than-expected jobs report triggered the most substantial sell-off in over two decades, impacting both equities and Treasuries.
• US Fed Minutes Provide Limited Clarity on Rate Cut Timing:
The Federal Reserve’s December minutes revealed uncertainty among policymakers. Divided opinions on rate cuts and the long-term effects of rapid rate increases left analysts speculating on the timing and extent of policy pivots in 2024.
• PMI Data Stays Resilient:
• UK: Services PMI hit a six-month high at 53.4, exceeding expectations.
• US: Services PMI rose to 51.4 in December, marking the 11th month of expansion.
• Eurozone: The Composite PMI stayed in contraction at 47.6 but showed modest improvement in services at a five-month high of 48.8.
• US Employment Report and ADP Data Beat Expectations:
• December jobs added 216,000 positions, surpassing the 170,000 forecast, while the unemployment rate held at 3.7%.
• ADP reported a significant surge of 164,000 private-sector jobs, largely in services, showcasing labor market resilience.
• Despite strong hiring, labor force participation fell to 62.5%, its lowest since February.
What’s Ahead
Central Bank Watch:
• No major central bank activity, but Fed speakers will be closely monitored.
Macro Data Watch:
• Monday, January 8: Eurozone Retail Sales and Consumer Confidence.
• Tuesday, January 9: Tokyo CPI, Australia Retail Sales, EU Unemployment Rate.
• Wednesday, January 10: Australia CPI.
• Thursday, January 11: US CPI (YoY & MoM).
• Friday, January 12: China CPI and PPI, UK GDP, US PPI, Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.