Week In Perspective: Powell: Fed is Ready for Rate Cut. [26-Aug-24]

Updated: 26-August-24 

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks notched a solid gain as dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials boosted the market’s recovery from early August lows.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.45 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite added 1.40 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 1.27 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 2.98 percent.^1,2

Dovish Week

Stocks started the week strong, rallying after Wall Street welcomed dovish comments from Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq each posted gains on Monday–the 8th consecutive winning session. The Dow rose for the 5th session in a row.^3,4

From there, markets traded in a narrow band until Wednesday afternoon when minutes released from the July 30-31 FOMC Meeting revealed more dovish comments. On Thursday, stocks dipped ahead of Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s annual Jackson Hole, Wyoming, speech.^5,6

Well-received comments from Powell on Friday boosted markets, with all three averages closing higher.⁷

“The Time has Come”

The Fed’s annual symposium for global central bankers started Friday morning with Fed Chair Powell’s much-anticipated speech. Citing the risk of the labor market cooling even further, he said, “the time has come for policy to adjust.” 

Investors responded favorably, with the remaining question being how significant a rate cut might be. Powell kept that door open, adding that “the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks.”⁸

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Durable Goods.
Tuesday: Consumer Confidence. Case-Shiller Home Price Index.
Wednesday: Fed Official Raphael Bostic speaks.
Thursday: GDP. International Trade in Goods. Jobless Claims. Pending Home Sales.
Friday: Personal Income and Outlays. Consumer Sentiment.

_{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; August 23, 2024 - The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.}

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Wednesday: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Salesforce Inc. (CRM)
Thursday: Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL)

^{Source: Zacks, August 23, 2024 - Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.}