Tuesday 27 Aug 24
The market has been moving sideways following Powell's Jackson Hole address, testing the key 5664 level twice without breaking above it. The market has extended the test level up to 5669. Meanwhile, the VIX has eased slightly but remains elevated at 16.18, indicating that uncertainty persists.
Examining the components of the S&P 500 reveals two primary concerns weighing on the market. The first is the tech sector. Nvidia's earnings are scheduled for release on Wednesday after the market close, and there are growing concerns that the AI narrative, which has driven much of the sector's recent gains, may be losing steam. A disappointing report from Nvidia could lead to a significant correction in the tech sector.
The second issue is consumer discretionary stocks. Although there is still no concrete economic data supporting the idea that the U.S. is heading for a hard landing into a recession, the market remains jittery. During Powell's recent Jackson Hole address, the market reacted positively to his candid acknowledgment of labor market concerns. While he did not directly signal a 50 bps rate cut in September, he made it clear that such a move is on the table. He did this by recounting how FED had just recently tackled the problem of inflation, indirectly reminding the market of the previously unthinkable 50 bps rate hikes.
Looking ahead, market conditions are expected to remain choppy. After Nvidia's earnings, the market will enter the Labor Day long weekend, a significant holiday marking the end of summer. With many participants likely to take time off, the thin trading volume could exacerbate two-way market action. Following the holiday, the NFP report on Friday, Sep 6, will be the next major catalyst. In this environment, it's a good idea to review your portfolio and ensure you are comfortable to ride out any unexpected spikes in volatility.