Omicron is causing significant volatility in the energy complex as the impact on demand is not yet known…analysts at Sevens Report Research wrote in Wednesday’s newsletter. Click here to read the full article.
What’s in Today’s Report:
Futures are solidly positive as markets bounce from Wednesday’s sell-off following a quiet night of news.
There are no definitive results yet, but the chatter on Omicron is that vaccines do still provide protection from severe illness, and that is slightly easing anxiety about the variant.
Economic data was sparse but showed continued inflation pressures as Euro Zone PPI rose 5.4% vs. (E) 3.2%.
Today the key report is Jobless Claims (E: 245K) and we expect a solid bounce back from last week’s very low numbers, but clearly, trends in the labor market continue to improve. We also get numerous Fed speakers including: Bostic (8:30 & 11:30 a.m. ET), Quarles (11:00 a.m. ET), Daly (11:30 a.m. ET), and Barkin (11:30 a.m. ET).
Bottom line, the market is dealing with three separate headwinds (ranked in order of importance): Omicron uncertainty, Fed tapering acceleration, and Washington dysfunction (possible shutdown). Positive headlines on any of them will help stocks bounce, while further negative headlines (like yesterday with a possible government shutdown) will cause another decline.
Tom Essaye, founder of the Sevens Report, discusses how futures are reversing Monday’s gains. He also talks about the market impact of the Omicron variant…Click here to watch to the full interview.
What’s in Today’s Report:
U.S. equity futures are rebounding with European stocks and other risk assets such as oil this morning as Omicron fears continue to ebb and flow while some of the hawkish money flows from yesterday are unwound.
Powell’s comments yesterday were hawkish regarding tapering however the market’s outlook for rate hikes remains largely unchanged which is helping stocks stabilize.
Economically, Final Manufacturing PMIs were largely in line with expectations overnight and did not materially move markets.
Looking into today’s session, there are a few key economic reports to watch starting with the first look at November jobs data via the ADP Employment Report (E: 525K), followed by the ISM Manufacturing Index (E: 61.1) and Construction Spending (E: 0.6%).
Finally, Powell will continue his CARES Act testimony at 10:00 a.m. ET today and the market will be listening closely for any further hints about taper plans, rate hike timelines, and the potential impact of the Omicron variant.
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What’s in Today’s Report:
Stock futures are down more than 1%, tracking global equities lower while the 10-year yield is down more than 10 basis points on renewed omicron variant concerns.
In an interview with the FT, MRNA’s CEO said the scientists he had spoken with expect a material decline in the efficacy of current vaccines against the new omicron variant of the coronavirus due to the high number of mutations and that is weighing heavily on risk assets this morning.
Today, there are a few economic reports due out: Case-Shiller Home Price Index (E: 1.1%), FHFA House Price Index (E: 1.0%), and Consumer Confidence (E: 110.7), but all of the data was gathered well before the omicron news emerged and therefore will not have a major impact on markets given the keen focus on COVID in recent days.
Fed Chair Powell will join Treasury Secretary Yellen in testifying before the Senate this morning at 10:00 a.m. ET and any indication that the Fed may change course regarding policy plans as a result of omicron could move markets. There is one other Fed speaker today: Williams (10:30 a.m. ET).
Bottom line, this is once again a COVID-driven market and any negative headlines about vaccine effectiveness or the severity of omicron infections could cause more risk off money flows as the odds of new lockdowns in parts of the world would rise as a result.
What’s in Today’s Report:
Futures are solidly higher as markets bounce following Friday’s COVID related steep declines.
The new COVID variant, named Omicron, was identified in numerous countries over the weekend, and governments enacted more travel bans to try and stop the spread. But, beyond those measures, the market didn’t learn anything “new” about the variant over the weekend.
Regarding today’s bounce in futures, Friday’s steep declines were due in part to light liquidity and attendance, so we’re seeing that portion of the declines reversed this morning now that people are back to work.
Today we get the Pending Home Sales Index (E: 0.7%) and we have one Fed speaker (Williams at 3:00 p.m. ET) but the focus will be on COVID headlines. It’s safe to assume the variant is already in the U.S. but a headline confirming that might create a short-term headwind. Beyond the short term, however, the major unknown is whether the variant can evade the current vaccines, and that will determine whether this COVID pullback in stocks is brief, or something more extended.