U.S. stocks were volatile on Monday as investors began a crucial week as they looked to new inflation data to test prospects for interest rate cuts and the start of first-quarter earnings season.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI), the S&P 500 (^GSPC), and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) moved up slightly after closing, then hovered around the flatline.
Strong employment data helped push stocks higher on Friday, but lingering doubts about the U.S. Federal Reserve’s determination to cut interest rates did not prevent stocks from falling for the week.
This uncertainty led to a sell-off in US Treasuries last week, and the pressure continued on Monday, with the 10-year Treasury yield (^TNX) rising slightly to above 4.45%. Although the benchmark has narrowed its gains, it remains within reach of the key 4.5% level, which some see as a potential tipping point for a rally toward last year’s highs.
Other concerns added to the volatile mood. Divided views on policy among Fed speakers, growing noise over the upcoming U.S. presidential election, and soaring oil prices due to escalating tensions in the Middle East that could fuel inflationary pressures.
All of this brings attention to Wednesday’s release of the consumer price index, a key input in the Fed’s decision-making and a clue to the continued resilience of the U.S. economy. Investors will be watching for signs of a return to a downward trend in inflation in March after showing signs of solidity earlier this year.
At the same time, the market is bracing for another earnings season, with Delta Air Lines (DAL) on Wednesday gearing up for Friday’s big bank results. Wall Street broadly expects the first quarter to set the tone for solid profit growth for S&P 500 companies, raising hopes for a big jump in March’s jobs report.
Against this backdrop, gold rose above $2,350 per ounce, setting a new record. Meanwhile, oil prices were at their highest in months as markets appreciated the easing of tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude oil futures (BZ=F) were slightly lower at $90.80 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures (CL=F) were slightly higher at just under $87.
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