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Stock Market Rallies on News of Cooling Inflation

Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
15 November 2023

Investors welcomed news yesterday that the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October slowed more than expected. Stock indices rose and treasury bonds fell. The change in market sentiment to the positive has investors betting the Federal Reserve (Fed) will cut rates next year. 

US CPI For October Slowed More Than Expected

The battle against inflation in the US is seen to be paying off as it slowed more than expected in October. This is good news for Fed officials who started one of the largest monetary policy tightening operations to combat persistent inflation.

The US CPI rose 3.2% in October on an annualized basis, slowing from a rate of 3.7% in September. On a month-on-month basis, the CPI was unchanged, compared to a 0.4% gain in September.

Economists had forecast a 3.3% annual increase, and a 0.1% increase from the previous month.

Investors Widely Expect the Fed to Cut Rates Next Year

This data is especially relevant after Powell's comments last week. The Fed Chair indicated that raising interest rates was still a possibility if inflation stayed above the 2% target. His words lead the market to expect the Fed to hold firm at the last meeting of the year.  

However, the CPI result published yesterday has investors speculating in the opposite direction. They now widely expect the Fed’s next step to be cutting rates next year.

Stock Indices Surged on CPI News

The yield of 10-year Treasury bond plummeted to 4.45% after the CPI figures were released, the lowest level since last September. Stock market investors received the news positively and brought indices such as the S&P500 and the Nasdaq100 up by more than 2%.

The EUR/USD Gained More Than 150 Pips

In the foreign exchange market, the US Dollar was pushed down by the extraordinary drop in market interest rates. The US Dollar maintains a positive correlation with interest rates.

The EUR/USD pair experienced one of the largest daily advances of the entire year. It gained more than 150 pips and showed technical signals of a reversal of the bearish trend that has been running since July.

Confirmation that rate hikes in the US are over and that the Fed’s next move will be a rate cut would strengthen the EUR/USD bullish movement.  This would technically have a first target in the zone of 1.0960 (0.618% Fibonacci retracement level).

EUR USD chart november 15 2023.png

EUR/USD monthly chart, November 15, 2023. Source: CAPEX.com WebTrader.

US Retail Sales Data Due Out Today

Today the Retail Sales Data is expected to be published. This data shows the state of domestic demand and is a main component of GDP. It is also a factor the Fed take into account when making decisions. A retail sales figure showing weakening demand would support current market sentiment for lower interest rates in the near future.

Key Takeaways

  • US October CPI showed inflation slowed down more than expected.
  • Investors now widely expect the Fed to cut rates next year.
  • The 10-year Treasury bond fell to its lowest level since September.
  • The S&P500 and Nasdaq100 indices increased by more than 2%.
  • The EUR/USD pair had one of the largest daily increases of the entire year.
  • US retail sales data is expected out today.

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Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters 

 

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.