After a positive week in the markets, with indices ending a historic streak of nine consecutive positive trading days, the train continues.
And this week, more key events that may affect volatility, which is expected to be high again this week.
Key events in the US market – The Fed week:
1. Important macro data:
Monday: Services PMI – S&P Global, Services ISM (non-manufacturing).
Both indices will provide an indication of the strength of economic activity in the services sectors, which account for about 70% of the US economy.
Thursday: Initial jobless claims – a hint towards the labor market, which continues to be a decisive factor in Fed decisions.
2. The event of the week – The Federal Reserve: Wednesday: Fed interest rate decision (8:00 PM Israel time), Jerome Powell's press conference (8:30 PM).
Although the market does not expect a change in interest rates this time, Powell's tone and his reference to persistent inflation versus a cooling labor market may move markets.
And this comes against a political backdrop: Pressure from Trump to tell the Fed to cut rates increases expectations from Powell's statements, but the Fed is expected to continue to demonstrate independence in its decisions, at least at this stage.
3. Earnings season is in full swing: About 20% of S&P 500 companies are expected to report this week. The focus is shifting from technology corporations to financial, healthcare, and industrial entities, which could change sectoral trends.
The stock market will also be at a critical juncture this week, both due to economic dynamics and the politics starting to bubble up ahead of the elections.
Maximum attention is required on Wednesday.