Global Markets Update: Stocks Rise, Oil Rebounds, and Gold Hits All-Time High
Team FS
13/Sep/2024

What's covered under the Article:
SPX and Nasdaq posted gains while Gold reached an all-time high amid Fed rate-cut expectations.
Treasury yields rose while the Dollar weakened as traders bet on significant US rate cuts.
Oil prices recovered, capping a volatile week as Asian markets show mixed reactions.
Global markets continued to show strength overnight, with key indices like the S&P 500 (SPX) and Nasdaq extending their gains for another session. The SPX rose by 0.75%, and the Nasdaq climbed by 1.02%, marking the fourth consecutive winning session for US equities. Investors are optimistic as hopes for a 25 basis point (bps) rate cut by the Federal Reserve grow stronger, with the market now pricing in this likelihood for next Wednesday's Fed meeting.
In the bond market, the US Treasury 10-year yield increased by 3 bps to reach 3.68%, signaling investor caution in the face of rising inflation data. The Dollar Index weakened by 0.61% to 101.17, as traders bet on a potential rate cut by the Fed. The weakness in the dollar also fueled interest in gold, which soared to new highs. Gold prices hit an all-time high above $2,550 per ounce, driven by heightened uncertainty in global monetary policies and the safe-haven appeal of the precious metal.
The energy market saw a recovery as Brent Oil climbed by 2.2%, closing at $72.17 per barrel. The rise in oil prices capped a volatile week, reflecting both concerns over supply constraints and optimism about future demand as the global economy shows signs of stabilization.
In economic data, US initial jobless claims remained stable at 230,000, while continuing claims were reported at 1.85 million. Despite concerns over sticky Producer Price Index (PPI) inflation, the data did not drastically alter the market’s base case of a 25 bps Fed cut next week. This confirms that while inflation persists, it's not enough to sway the Fed from its path toward easing monetary policy.
The European Central Bank (ECB) also made headlines by cutting its benchmark interest rate by 25 bps. However, the ECB delivered a hawkish outlook, indicating that it may not be done with rate hikes just yet. Despite this, European markets closed higher, with investors shrugging off the tighter guidance and focusing on the immediate benefits of the rate reduction.
In the Asia-Pacific region, markets were mixed. China’s stock market rebounded from a six-year low, signaling improved investor sentiment, while Australia approached an all-time high. This divergence highlights the varying economic conditions across the region. Investors are also keeping an eye on Asian currencies, particularly the Chinese yuan, as China's recovery could influence the region’s broader economic performance.
The US dollar’s weakness was a key theme overnight, as traders added to their positions, expecting a significant rate cut from the Fed. The continued pressure on the dollar further fueled the rise in commodity prices, with gold being the biggest beneficiary. Oil markets also extended their recovery rally, helping to offset the losses seen earlier in the week due to concerns over supply disruptions from the Gulf of Mexico.
In the cryptocurrency market, XRP saw a notable jump, rising as much as 9%. This surge followed the introduction of the Grayscale XRP Trust, which many believe could pave the way for a future XRP ETF. The possibility of an exchange-traded fund for XRP has excited investors, who are looking for additional ways to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency.
In summary, the global financial landscape is rapidly shifting as central banks like the Fed and ECB navigate the delicate balance between curbing inflation and fostering economic growth. Investors are positioning themselves accordingly, keeping an eye on interest rate movements, commodity prices, and currency fluctuations as the week progresses.
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