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Did Yesterday’s Data Imply a Soft Landing is More Likely?

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Did Yesterday’s Data Imply a Soft Landing is More Likely?

Futures are slightly lower as markets digest Thursday’s rally following a mostly disappointing night of earnings.

Intel (INTC) posted very disappointing results and the stock dropped –9% overnight while other earnings reports were mostly mixed.

Economic data was sparse as Euro Zone Money supply was the only notable indicator and it rose 4.7% vs. (E) 4.8%.

Today focus will turn to inflation via the Core PCE Price Index (E: 0.3%, 4.4%) and five-year inflation expectations in U-Michigan Consumer Sentiment (E: 64.6).  The lower those inflation numbers, the better, and if we get soft inflation data that likely will help extend this week’s rally as it’ll increase expectations for a Fed pause in the next month or two.  We also get Pending Home Sales (E: -1.0%) but that shouldn’t move markets.

On the earnings front, important reports today include: CVX ($4.16), AXP ($2.18), and CL ($0.76).

Hard Landing or Soft Landing?

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Hard Landing or Soft Landing?
  • Weekly Economic Cheat Sheet:  Does Growth Stabilize?
  • Weekly Market Preview:  The Peak of Earnings Season

Futures are little changed following a mostly quiet weekend of news as markets look ahead to more earnings and economic data this week.

On Sunday the WSJ published an article on the Fed that stated the Fed will hike 25 bps at the upcoming meeting and begin discussions on when to end the rate hike cycle.  The article is being taken as dovish, but it’s not very different from current consensus thinking.

Today the focus will be on Leading Indicators (E: -0.7%) because this number flashed an intense recession warning signal last month and if there’s further deterioration that will likely weigh on stocks modestly.

On the earnings front, most of the key names this week report Tuesday – Thursday, but some results we’re watching today include:  SYF ($1.12), BKR ($0.41), and LOGI ($1.06).

Is a Soft Landing More Likely Now?

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Is a Soft Landing Really More Likely Than Before?
  • Weekly Economic Cheat Sheet – Stagflation or Soft Landing?

Stock futures are lower and bond yields are climbing on the back of strong economic data and hawkish ECB chatter.

Chinese economic data was strong overnight while the German ZEW Survey surprised to the upside and U.K. wage growth rose to a record 6.4% vs. (E) 6.1%.

Meanwhile, the ECB’s Chief Economist, Philip Lane, made hawkish comments about rates rising into restrictive territory overnight which is weighing on recently dovish-leaning investor sentiment.

Today, focus will be on earnings early with: GS ($5.25), MS ($1.25), CFG ($1.30) all reporting ahead of the bell while UAL ($2.07) will release results after the close.

Economically, there is one important report this morning: Empire State Manufacturing Index (E: -7.5) and there is one Fed speaker to watch this afternoon: Williams (3:00 p.m. ET).

What a “Soft Landing” Looks Like

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • What A “Soft Landing” Looks Like (At Least From One Economic Report)

Futures are slightly lower following a mostly quiet night as investors await today’s jobs report.

Economic data was disappointing as German exports unexpectedly declined (-2.1% vs. (E) 4.1%) while Euro Zone PPI was hotter than expected (37.9% y/y vs. (E) 36.4% y/y).

In China, authorities announced that companies in Chengdu could implement “closed loop” systems and stay in operation, which should reduce supply chain disruptions.

Today the key event is the August Employment Situation report and expectations are as follows: Job Adds: 293K, UE Rate: 3.5%, Wages: 0.4% m/m, 5.3% y/y.  If markets can get a “Just Right” number (small job adds, a rise in the unemployment rate and a drop in wages) then stocks can extend yesterday’s rally as that will be the second straight “Goldilocks” report in two days (the other being yesterday’s ISM Manufacturing PMI) and it’ll increase hopes for an economic soft landing.