Sevens Report: Powell’s Hawkish Tone “Not Bearish” for Stocks

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Tom Essaye says AI enthusiasm and trade stability outweigh Fed uncertainty.

Powell’s warning won’t derail the stock-market rally, maintains this strategist.

The Sevens Report, authored by former NYSE trader Tom Essaye, dismissed the idea that Jerome Powell’s hawkish comments Wednesday are bearish for equities. Powell’s remark that a December Fed cut is “not a foregone conclusion” sharply lowered market odds of a 25-basis-point cut—from over 90% to near 55%, which Essaye called “a coin flip.” Still, the report argues the bull case for stocks remains intact. Essaye cites four reasons: the Fed could still ease, Powell didn’t signal the end of rate cuts, AI optimism remains strong, and U.S.-China trade stability has improved. Essaye emphasized AI as the dominant driver, noting Powell’s remarks “don’t reduce the tailwind on risk assets.”

Also, click here to view the full article published in MarketWatch on October 30th, 2025. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.

If you want research that comes with no long term commitment, yet provides independent, value added, plain English analysis of complex macro topics, then begin your Sevens Report subscription today by clicking here.

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Join hundreds of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Five Concerning Market Breadth Developments

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Five Concerning Market Breadth Developments

Futures are modestly higher thanks to better than expected tech earnings.

APPL and AMZN both beat estimates and the stocks are rallying 2% and 12% respectively pre-market and pushing futures higher.

Economically, Chinese PMIs were mixed as the manufacturing PMI slightly missed estimates (49 vs. (E) 49.6).

There are no economic reports today but there are two Fed speakers, Logan (9:30 a.m. ET) and Bostic (12:00 p.m. ET) and given Powell’s hawkish surprise earlier in the week, markets will want to hear a dovish tone from both.

On earnings, the heart of the season is now over but there are still some notable reports today including: XOM ($1.78), CVX ($1.66) and ABBV ($1.77).

Finally, with President Trump back in the U.S., focus will shift to the government shutdown and any chatter about a resolution will be a mild market positive.

 

Bullish Argument

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Did the Fed Just Weaken the Bullish Argument?

Futures are slightly lower following a busy night of news, as major tech earnings were mixed while the Trump/Xi summit met widely held expectations.

On earnings, META, MSFT and GOOGL posted mixed results.  GOOGL beat earnings and the stock is up 8% pre-market while META and MSFT slightly underwhelmed.

Geopolitically, the Trump/Xi summit resulted in expected tariff reduction, soybean purchases and rare earth exports but didn’t contain any surprisingly positive breakthroughs.

Today focus will be on earnings with the last of the major tech firms reporting, including AAPL ($1.73), AMZN ($1.58) and, on the consumer spending front, MA ($4.31).

 

Fed Day

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Abbreviated FOMC Preview
  • Housing Data Takeaways

Futures are trading at all-time highs ahead of the Fed decision and multiple Mag-7 earnings releases due out after the close as President Trump made optimistic remarks about his three-hour meeting with President Xi tomorrow.

Economically, Australian CPI jumped to 3.2% vs. (E) 3.0%, up 1.1% from Q2’s reading of 2.1%.

Today, there are a few “second-tiered” economic reports due to be released including International Trade in Goods (E: $-90.0B), Wholesale inventories (E: -0.2%), and Pending Home Sales (E: 1.0%) but their market impact should be limited given the looming Fed decision.

It’s Fed Day with the FOMC Meeting Announcement due to hit the wires at 2:00 p.m. ET followed by Fed Chair Powell’s Press Conference at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Aside from the Fed decision, which could have a material impact on markets today despite the looming Trump-Xi meeting tomorrow, we are getting into peak earnings season with quarterly results due from major U.S. companies including VZ ($1.19), BA (-$2.46), CVS ($1.36), CAT ($4.52), META ($6.61), MSFT ($3.65), GOOGL ($2.26), and CMG ($0.28).

 

FOMC Preview: Is a Dovish Surprise Looming?

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • FOMC Preview – Is a Dovish Surprise Looming?
  • Chart: An End to QT Means More Liquidity, More Stimulus

Futures are flat while most international markets are modestly lower as traders digest the sizeable two-day rally in stocks ahead of the October Fed meeting decision and several Mag-7 earnings releases.

Today, there are a handful of private-sector economic releases to watch including the Case-Shiller Home Price Index (E: 1.9%), the FHFA House Price Index (E: 0.1%), the Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index (E: -14), and Consumer Confidence (E: 93.4).

With the October FOMC meeting getting underway, expect a growing sense of Fed paralysis in equity markets to begin to take hold, however there is a 7-Yr Treasury Note auction at 1:00 p.m. ET that could move yields and shake up stocks on an intraday basis.

Earnings season continues to peak this week with notable reports today including SOFI ($0.09), UNH ($2.80), PYPL ($1.19), UPS ($1.31), V ($2.97), BKNG ($96.10), and RCL ($5.67).

Bottom line, positive earnings and upbeat economic data would offer equity market tailwinds today with a Fed rate cut all but a certainty tomorrow, however, the trade war situation remains a “wildcard” risk that could spark risk-off money flows into tomorrows FOMC decision.

 

Why the Crypto ETF Floodgates May Open Soon

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Why the Crypto ETF Floodgates May Open Soon
  • Weekly Market Preview: Fed Decision and the Most Important Week of Earnings
  • Weekly Economic Cheat Sheet: Does Data Stay Goldilocks?

Futures are moderately higher on trade optimism following positive comments on U.S./China trade negotiations.

Treasury Secretary Bessent said U.S./China trade talks went “very well” this weekend, reducing fears of additional tariffs and raising hopes for tariff relief.

Economically, German IFO Businesses Expectations were better than estimates (91.6 vs. (E) 89.4).

Today we do get two economic reports, Durable Goods (E: 0.01%) and New Home Sales (E: 710k) and markets will want to see in-line numbers to keep the Goldilocks data trend in place.

Beyond today, this is a potentially important week that contains a Fed decision (possibility of a dovish surprise) but, more importantly, key Tech/AI earnings and markets need to see a dovish Fed and strong AI earnings to keep the rally going.

Some earnings we’re watching today include: KDP ($0.54), CAR ($8.11), and WHR ($1.41).

Gold ETFs Plunge but Tom Essaye Says It’s Just a ‘Bump in the Road’

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Sevens Report’s Tom Essaye and major banks maintain bullish long-term outlook despite sharp correction.

Gold ETFs Suffer a Rout Over Past Two Days: Buy the Dip

Gold prices suffered their steepest two-day decline in years, with the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) down nearly 7% as easing U.S.-China trade tensions and a stronger dollar triggered profit-taking. However, analysts say the drop is likely temporary. Tom Essaye of Sevens Report Research told Yahoo Finance the pullback is “just a bump in the road,” noting that high inflation, low real yields, geopolitical risks, and a potential U.S. government shutdown remain strong tailwinds. Bank of America and Goldman Sachs both reaffirmed bullish targets, with BofA eyeing $6,000 per ounce by mid-2026 and Goldman forecasting $4,900 by late 2026.

Also, click here to view the full article on The Globe and Mail published on October 23rd, 2025. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.

If you want research that comes with no long term commitment, yet provides independent, value added, plain English analysis of complex macro topics, then begin your Sevens Report subscription today by clicking here.

To strengthen your market knowledge take a free trial of The Sevens Report.

Join hundreds of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

An Interesting Chart to Show Clients

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • An Interesting Chart to Show Clients

Futures are little changed despite an underwhelming night of earnings and higher oil prices.

Earning overnight were disappointing, as TSLA, IBM and SAP all missed earnings or cut guidance.

Geo-politically, the U.S. sanctioned Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft, causing a 5% spike in oil prices.

Today we do get some economic data via the Chicago Fed (E: -0.12) and Existing Home Sales (E: 4.06 million).  Neither report is normally a market mover, but given the lack of other data, the reports have the potential to move markets.  Solid readings (so in line with expectations) that show stable growth will be the best case for stocks.

Earnings season continues and after a very strong start last week, results this week have been much more mixed.  Reports we’re watching today include:  INTC ($-0.12), AAL ($-0.27), FCX ($0.41), HON ($2.56),  NEM ($1.29), F ($0.38),and  TMUS ($2.42).

Sevens Report Research founder interviewed on Yahoo Finance discussing Apple’s comeback in the AI race

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The bulk of earnings season is here as Tom Essaye joins Yahoo Finance

Apple nears $4T market cap. Is it catching up in the AI race?

Yahoo Finance Senior Business Reporter Ines Ferré and Sevens Report Research founder Tom Essaye join Opening Bid host Brian Sozzi to discuss Apple’s comeback in the artificial intelligence (AI) race.

Also, click here to view the full interview on Yahoo Finance published on October 21st, 2025. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.

If you want research that comes with no long term commitment, yet provides independent, value added, plain English analysis of complex macro topics, then begin your Sevens Report subscription today by clicking here.

To strengthen your market knowledge take a free trial of The Sevens Report.

Join hundreds of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Earnings Season is Here: Tom Essaye Interviewed on Yahoo Finance

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The bulk of earnings season is here as Tom Essaye joins Yahoo Finance

What earnings are telling investors: Don’t bet against US companies

Sevens Report Research Founder Tom Essaye and Yahoo Finance senior reporters Allie Canal and Ines Ferré weigh in on what the latest round of earnings is signaling to investors.

Also, click here to view the full interview on Yahoo Finance published on October 21st, 2025. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.

If you want research that comes with no long term commitment, yet provides independent, value added, plain English analysis of complex macro topics, then begin your Sevens Report subscription today by clicking here.

To strengthen your market knowledge take a free trial of The Sevens Report.

Join hundreds of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.