US markets show no sign of slowing down – today investors are focused on the Fed decision, fresh economic data and results from tech giants. Find out what is really driving Wall Street and what signals are coming from the American economy.
The Fed in the spotlight
The Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.5% was widely expected by the market. Investors listened closely to Jerome Powell’s remarks, looking for hints about future moves. The Fed remains cautious about inflationary pressure and is in no hurry to ease monetary policy, despite mounting political pressure.
What does it mean for markets?
- Keeping rates on hold stabilises share valuations, but gives no clear signal about future cuts.
- Investors are counting on policy easing in the second half of the year if inflation starts to fall clearly.
Tech company results in the spotlight
The earnings season is in full swing. Microsoft and AMD surprised positively – Microsoft’s gains were driven, among other things, by growth in its Azure cloud services, while AMD posted quarterly results better than expected. On the other hand, Amazon disappointed with its cloud segment, which translated into a drop in its share price despite solid results in other areas.
Macroeconomic data: mixed signals
The latest labour market and inflation data are giving mixed signals. Unemployment remains low, but the pace of job growth is slowing. Meanwhile, inflation – although somewhat lower than in previous months – still exceeds the Fed’s target.
Key indicators today:
- Initial jobless claims: 241 thousand (slight increase)
- Growth in labour productivity: 1.5% q/q (better than forecast)
- Labour costs are rising more slowly than expected – which may be a positive signal in the fight against inflation
Investor sentiment and outlook
After a series of rising sessions on Wall Street, markets are reacting cautiously today. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones recorded their longest winning streaks in 20 years in recent days, but greater volatility and profit-taking are now visible.
- The Fed is holding rates unchanged, waiting for clearer signals from the economy.
- Tech giants continue to set the direction, although disappointments are not lacking.
- Macro data is mixed – a solid labour market, with inflation still a challenge.
- Investors remain alert and are looking for new catalysts for gains.
Today’s events in US markets show how many factors are simultaneously influencing investor sentiment and decisions – from Fed policy, through company results, to macroeconomic data.
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