|

Russel 2000 doesn't support SP500's optimism

S&P500 closed Monday at historical highs, adding 0.55% on the day close. Both expected new Fed interest rates cut and possible US-China trade deal served as key drivers of recent market growth impulse. President Trump, in his Twitter, did not manage to avoid this event, attributing these merits to himself.

US SPX500

Resolution of trade disputes and easing of monetary policy should help equally all stocks as the tide lifts all boats. The S&P500 is often regarded as a broad market index, as it includes shares of the 500 largest US companies. However, a more detailed analysis shows that only five heavyweights (Apple, Microsoft, Visa, MasterCard and Oracle) are mainly responsible for this 30% rally from the last Christmas lows.

The Russell 2000 Index, which includes small-cap companies stocks, is 10% below September 2018 peaks reached, when market participants gave up hope of soon reaching Sino-US trade agreement. This index runs close to local highs, but since May this year marks a series of lower highs and lower lows.

US200

Such market dynamic points that medium business is stagnating in the current economic conditions, while only the most significant IT corporations can use the present, almost monopolistic positions in their businesses, for revenue and profit growth.

However, the excess weight of heavyweights in the S&P500 indexes, Dow Jones makes these indices vulnerable to a correction, if the news becomes less optimistic. Still, stock markets are mostly dependent on macroeconomic indicators, a large number of which will be published this week.

Thus, today, the agenda includes data on housing market prices and consumer sentiment in the US. In both cases, indices are expected to increase after the decline in previous months.

The recovery of these indices should confirm that the Fed's policy is bearing fruit. However, it is not necessary to run ahead of the locomotive, gained speed. On Wednesday, a few hours before the Fed's decision on the rate, the first estimate of GDP for the third quarter and labour market forecasts from ADP will be released. Friday's NFPs are expected to show modest growth by 90k, which is merely a half of the average monthly increase over the last economic expansion. In all three cases, economists are getting ready to see the deterioration to the previous values, despite the optimistic mood of the markets.

The markets in the form of S&P500 and Dow Jones indices may falter in the next few days, if reliable macroeconomic data do not confirm the very bold expectations of traders.

Author

Team FxPro

FxPro is a UK headquartered online broker providing contracts for difference (CFD) on foreign exchange, shares, futures and precious metals primarily to retail clients.

More from Team FxPro
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD rebounds after falling toward 1.1700

EUR/USD gains traction and trades above 1.1730 in the American session, looking to end the week virtually unchanged. The bullish opening in Wall Street makes it difficult for the US Dollar to preserve its recovery momentum and helps the pair rebound heading into the weekend.

GBP/USD steadies below 1.3400 as traders assess BoE policy outlook

Following Thursday's volatile session, GBP/USD moves sideways below 1.3400 on Friday. Investors reassess the Bank of England's policy oıtlook after the MPC decided to cut the interest rate by 25 bps by a slim margin. Meanwhile, the improving risk mood helps the pair hold its ground.

Gold stays below $4,350, looks to post small weekly gains

Gold struggles to gather recovery momentum and stays below $4,350 in the second half of the day on Friday, as the benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield edges higher. Nevertheless, the precious metal remains on track to end the week with modest gains as markets gear up for the holiday season.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP rebound amid bearish market conditions

Bitcoin (BTC) is edging higher, trading above $88,000 at the time of writing on Monday. Altcoins, including Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP), are following in BTC’s footsteps, experiencing relief rebounds following a volatile week.

How much can one month of soft inflation change the Fed’s mind?

One month of softer inflation data is rarely enough to shift Federal Reserve policy on its own, but in a market highly sensitive to every data point, even a single reading can reshape expectations. November’s inflation report offered a welcome sign of cooling price pressures. 

XRP rebounds amid ETF inflows and declining retail demand demand

XRP rebounds as bulls target a short-term breakout above $2.00 on Friday. XRP ETFs record the highest inflow since December 8, signaling growing institutional appetite.