Are Rate Hikes a Reason to Reduce Stock Exposure?
What’s in Today’s Report:
- Are Rate Hikes a Reason to Reduce Stock Exposure?
- Chart: Level to Watch in the VIX
U.S. stock futures are tracking global equity markets higher amid easing Omicron fears and good economic data.
GlaxoSmithKline reported overnight that their antibody treatment is effective against the heavily mutated Omicron variant which is helping further ease fears about the new strain.
Economically, Chinese Imports rose 31.7% vs. (E) 21.5% y/y and Exports rose 22.0% vs. (E) 20.3% y/y in November pointing to a still-healthy economic recovery and that is supporting risk on money flows this morning.
Today, there are two lesser followed economic reports due out: International Trade in Goods and Services (E: -$66.8B), Productivity and Costs (E: -4.9%, 8.3%) but neither is likely to materially move markets while there are no Fed officials speaking today.
There is a 3-year Treasury Note auction at 1:00 p.m. ET that could impact yields and the broader curve and if we see a sharp enough flattening move (weak demand for shorter maturities amid rate hike fears) stocks could come under pressure, but to be clear, the tone is very risk on this morning as dip-buyers step into the market, chasing this bounce higher.
