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Dow Theory Update

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Dow Theory Update

Futures are modestly lower to start the fourth quarter as House Democrats failed to pass infrastructure legislation, while economic data was better than expected.

House Democrats remain divided about the size of the infrastructure and reconciliation bills, and the Debt Ceiling can’t be increased until a compromise is found.

EU and UK global final PMIs slightly beat estimates while EU Core HICP (their CPI) was slightly hot (1.9% yoy vs. (E) 1.8% yoy), implying the global recovery remains on track and that inflation pressures are still firm.

Today’s focus will be on important economic reports.  First, the Core PCE Price Index (E: 0.2%, 3.6%) is the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation and if it’s much hotter than expectations, that will push yields higher and be another headwind on stocks.  Also, the ISM Manufacturing PMI (E: 59.8) gets released and markets will want to see stability there.  We also get Consumer Sentiment (E: 71.0) and the inflation expectations component will be closely watched.  Finally, there are two Fed speakers today, Harker (11:00 a.m. ET) and Mester (1:00 p.m. ET) but neither should move markets.

 

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Infrastructure Update

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Infrastructure Update
  • Hurricane Ida and Energy Markets

Stock futures are trading at all-time highs this morning as dovish, risk-on money flows continue into the end of the month following mixed economic data overseas.

Economically, China’s Manufacturing PMI fell to 50.1 vs. (E) 50.2 in August while inflation data in Europe was slightly firmer than estimates but the outlook for global central bank policy remains notably accommodative and that is a positive for equities and other risk assets.

Today, there are two reports on the housing market in the US: Case-Shiller Home Price Index (E: 1.7%) and FHFA House Price Index (E: 1.8%) before the more important Consumer Confidence (E: 123.0) report is released shortly after the open.

Beyond those economic data points, there are no other material catalysts as no Fed officials are scheduled to speak and there are no Treasury auctions this afternoon.

Bottom line, momentum remains positive for stocks into the end of the month however a soft Consumer Confidence number or negative COVID headline could serve as an excuse for profit taking and cause a reversal of the early morning gains today.

Market Multiple Levels: S&P 500 Chart

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Market Multiple Levels: S&P 500 Chart
  • NFIB Small Business Optimism Index: Labor Market Issues Remain a Headwind

Futures are slightly lower while global shares extended recent gains overnight ahead of key inflation data and more progress on U.S. infrastructure and spending plans.

After passing the bipartisan $1.2T infrastructure bill yesterday, the Senate narrowly passed a $3.5T spending plan aimed at fighting climate change and poverty overnight however neither of the bills is likely to be taken up in the House until after the summer recess in September.

Economically, German CPI met estimates of 0.9% in July which did not have a material impact on markets.

Today, the focus will be on economic data early with the July CPI report due out ahead of the bell (E: 0.5% m/m, 5.5%y/y).

Then after the open, there are a couple of Fed speakers to watch: Bostic (10:30 a.m. ET) and George (12:00 p.m. ET). The narrative has been shifting slightly more hawkish recently so look for a continuation of that trend in the speeches which may cause a further rise in Treasury yields today.

Finally, in the early afternoon, there is a 10-Yr Treasury Note auction at 1:00 p.m. ET. If the outcome is weak (tails) expect a continued move higher in longer maturity yields that will have some degree of hawkish impact across asset classes while a strong auction would likely see yields pull back from their recent gains which would likely offer a boost to growth/tech stocks.

Tom Essaye Quoted in Barron’s on June 24, 2021

Eli Lilly Jumps, Dollar Tree Slips as Stock Market Chases Infrastructure Plan Higher

S&P futures are trading solidly higher this morning amid infrastructure…writes Tom Essaye, founder of Sevens Report Research. Click here to read the full article.

What’s the State of Infrastructure?

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • What’s the State of Infrastructure?

Stock futures are little changed near all-time highs in quiet trading this morning as concerns about the “Delta” variant of COVID-19 linger while investors look ahead to fresh economic data in the U.S.

Economically, Japanese Unemployment edged up to 3.0% in May from 2.8% in April but Retail Sales topped estimates while Eurozone June Economic Sentiment met expectations.

Looking into today’s session, there are two reports on real estate prices due this morning: Case-Shiller Home Price Index (E: 1.2%) and FHFA House Price Index (E: 1.0%), before the more important release on Consumer Confidence (E: 118.8) is due out shortly after the bell.

There is also one Fed officials scheduled to speak: Barkin (9:00 a.m. ET) but as long as there is not a notable hawkish shift in tone, the commentary should not impact stocks.

That will leave investors focused on any news or developments regarding the “Delta” variant of COVID-19, specifically if any government imposes new lockdowns as a result and infrastructure negotiations.