Episodes
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S&P futures are indicating a lower open, down (0.68%), as the fallout from the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone continues to weigh on markets. Markets are now focused on November’s personal consumption data, following stronger-than-expected economic growth and consumer spending, which weakens the case for near-term Fed rate cuts. Asian markets ended mixed on Friday, but most major boards posted further losses to close out a tough week. European markets opened sharply lower on Friday, following Thursday’s broad declines.
Companies Mentioned: TPG, Aadi Bioscience, Boeing
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S&P futures are indicating a higher open, up +0.41% as markets attempt to recover from yesterday’s sharp selloff following the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone on rate cuts for 2025. Asian markets closed broadly lower today, and European markets are recording sharp declines in early trades. In Asia, the Bank of Japan left rates unchanged as expected. In Europe, the Riksbank cut rates by 25 basis points and signaled potential further cuts in the first half of 2025.
Companies Mentioned: General Mills, Sonoco Products, Apple, WM Technology
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Missing episodes?
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S&P futures are indicating a slightly higher open, up +0.11% as investors await the Federal Reserve’s rate decision later today. Markets expect a 25 bps rate cut, with keen attention on the accompanying dot plot and Chair Powell’s commentary, particularly regarding the Fed's outlook for 2025 rate adjustments. In Asia, Nissan and Honda are reportedly in merger talks, accelerating due to interest from Hon Hai Precision. European focus is on UK inflation data, with headline CPI accelerating in November as expected, though core and services inflation surprised on the downside.
Companies Mentioned: Nissan, Honda, Cousins Properties, NeuroMetrix
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US equity futures are slightly weaker. European markets are trading lower, while Asian equities ended mostly lower. Market attention remains on this week’s central bank policy meetings. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut rates by 25-bp on Wednesday, though the updated Summary of Economic Projections and dot plot will likely draw more focus. Markets have been scaling back expectations for 2025 rate cuts. The BoE is set to update policy on Thursday, and the BoJ decision will follow on Friday, with both expected to keep rates unchanged. Weak Chinese activity data continues to highlight calls for further stimulus from Beijing, foreshadowing looser policy into 2025. Recent commentary from European Central Bank officials has supported the case for additional easing, though opinions remain divided on whether cuts will occur gradually.
Companies Mentioned: Alibaba Group, Youngor Fashion Co., McCormick & Co., Shein
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US equity futures are slightly firmer on Monday. European markets are trading lower, with losses led by France. Asian equities ended mostly lower as China’s underwhelming activity data weighed on sentiment. Focus this week is on the Fed's anticipated 25-bp rate cut during Wednesday’s policy meeting, as inflation is seen sufficiently contained to support further easing. Goldman Sachs expects a pause in January, citing a slower pace of reductions ahead. SNB surprised markets last week with a 50-bp cut, while ECB also trimmed rates as expected but shifted to a more dovish tone, signaling the potential for additional cuts in Q1 2025. Political developments in Europe include a confidence vote for German Chancellor Scholz following coalition collapse and ongoing efforts by France’s new PM François Bayrou to stabilize governance amid economic challenges.
Companies Mentioned: Nippon Steel, US Steel, Capri Holdings, Berkshire Hills, Brookline
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US equity futures are slightly higher, while European markets are trading higher and Asian markets ended mostly lower. The ECB cut rates by 25 bps for the third consecutive meeting, signaling a shift to a more neutral stance. Policymakers remain focused on managing inflation risks, while Bloomberg reports suggest further cuts may come in January and March. Meanwhile, US PPI data came in slightly hotter than expected, though it has not shifted expectations of a December rate cut, which the market sees as highly probable. Geopolitics are in focus as easing tensions in the Middle East bring hopes for a Gaza ceasefire deal. Investors are also looking ahead to next week’s FOMC meeting and updated economic projections.
Companies Mentioned: Carlyle Group, Upbound Group, Blackstone, Dexus Property Group
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US equity futures are slightly lower, while European markets are trading higher and Asian markets ended mostly higher. Cryptocurrencies are advancing, with Bitcoin back above $100,000. US markets continue to focus on tech strength, with the Nasdaq setting a fresh record high as big tech outperformed again. November CPI data came in line with expectations, solidifying a 95% probability of a December rate cut and a likely January pause. Semiconductors and AI-related headlines boosted sentiment. Meanwhile, markets are processing mixed M&A headlines and potential Trump tariff responses, as speculation grows over China's weaker yuan policy in 2025. Globally, the ECB and SNB are in focus, with the latter surprising markets with a 50-bps rate cut, marking a significant dovish shift in policy.
Companies Mentioned: Coca-Cola, Community Health Systems, Synopsys, ANSYS Inc
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S&P futures are indicating a slightly higher open, up +0.09% ahead of today’s U.S. CPI report. Markets are anticipating data that could reinforce expectations of a December rate cut from the Federal Reserve, though lingering inflationary concerns weigh on sentiment. Asian markets ended mixed on Wednesday, and European markets are broadly lower in early trades. In Asia, South Korea’s political drama deepened, with an impeachment vote against President Yoon scheduled for Saturday, arrests of prominent police officers, and reports of the former defense minister attempting suicide. In Europe, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to request a vote of confidence in parliament today.
Companies Mentioned: Blackstone, Lionsgate Studios, FIGS, Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, SpaceX
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S&P futures are indicating a slightly lower open, down (0.11%) in premarket trading. Asian markets ended mixed on Tuesday, and European markets opened lower. In Asia, Chinese policymakers are preparing for next year’s Economic Work Conference, where they are expected to outline stimulus measures and economic priorities for 2025. In Europe, French President Macron is meeting political leaders to discuss potential replacements for Prime Minister Barnier, as the government faces mounting pressure.
Companies Mentioned: NVIDIA, Google, Meta, Blackstone, Boeing
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US futures are mixed as markets await further catalysts. European equity markets are higher, following a mixed session in Asia where China markets led gains but South Korea lagged due to political turmoil. Bitcoin has fallen below $100K after recent volatility. Markets are digesting mixed signals as geopolitical and monetary developments dominate. In the US, November nonfarm payrolls exceeded expectations, while unemployment ticked up, supporting a December rate cut probability of 83%, with an additional 75 basis points of easing priced in for the next year. Meanwhile, global leaders praised the overthrow of Assad’s regime in Syria, which occurred with minimal bloodshed.
Companies Mentioned: Walmart, Interpublic Group, Omnicom Group, Apple, Sony
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US futures are slightly lower ahead of today's nonfarm payrolls report. European equity markets are mostly firmer, while Asian markets finished mixed. Bitcoin is pulling back after crossing the $100,000 threshold. Market focus today is on the US nonfarm payrolls report, with economists forecasting a rebound from October's hurricane and strike-impacted print. Despite expected strength, a rate cut later this month remains likely. Meanwhile, European markets are digesting the political turmoil in France, where President Macron is addressing the fallout from his government’s collapse. South Korean politics also remain in focus after new calls for President Yoon’s suspension, amid concerns over martial law.
Companies Mentioned: Boeing
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US equity futures are slightly lower, while European markets are trading higher, led by gains in France. Asian markets ended mostly higher. Cryptocurrencies are surging, with Bitcoin crossing $100,000. U.S. markets are in a holding pattern ahead of Friday's November Non-Farm Payrolls report. Dovish-leaning Fedspeak was also in focus. France is leading gains despite political instability, as PM Barnier’s government was ousted in a no-confidence vote as expected, with limited spillover effects observed so far. Regional focus remains on South Korea’s political turmoil, where Parliament has initiated an impeachment motion against President Yoon for a vote on Saturday, though the ruling party is expected to oppose it.
Companies Mentioned: Cousins Properties, Athena Technology Acquisition Corp. II, Petrobras
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S&P futures are indicating a higher open, up +0.22% this morning. Asian equities ended mixed on Wednesday while European markets opened mostly higher. In Asia, Political uncertainty in South Korea takes center stage as opposition parties submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon following his attempt to impose martial law, which lawmakers blocked late Tuesday. The Bank of Korea and Finance Ministry pledged emergency measures to stabilize the markets, including increasing short-term liquidity. Meanwhile, French lawmakers are set to vote on a no-confidence motion that could topple Prime Minister Barnier’s coalition government.
Companies Mentioned: Microchip Technology, KKR, GXO Logistics
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S&P futures are indicating a slightly higher open, up +0.05% in premarket trading. Asian equities ended mostly higher on Tuesday, and European markets have opened higher. In Asia, the U.S. unveiled new restrictions on AI and chip components exports to China, though the measures are less restrictive than anticipated. Meanwhile, European markets are paying close attention to French political uncertainty, with a no-confidence vote looming over the government.
Companies Mentioned: Exxon Mobil, SpaceX, Petrobras
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US equity futures are slightly lower this morning, while European markets are trading down across the board, led by underperformance in France. Asian equities ended higher. In France, political instability is in focus as far-right leader Marine Le Pen issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Michel Barnier to negotiate a budget deal or face a potential vote of no confidence. Talks have stalled despite concessions, raising concerns over fiscal risks. In Asia, China’s official PMI data showed stronger manufacturing growth but unexpected weakness in non-manufacturing activity, highlighting ongoing challenges in the service sector.
Companies Mentioned: BlackRock, HPS Investment Partners, OpenAI, AI Transportation Acquisition, American Resources Corp
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US futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today. European equity markets have opened in the negative territory, except for Denmark, following mixed Asian markets. Japanese yen strength the big story with market adjusting to rates dynamics. Markets pricing in more than 60% chance of BOJ rate hike and Fed rate cut next month.
Companies Mentioned: McEwen Mining, Repsol, GeoPark
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S&P futures are down (0.09%), pointing to a slightly lower open today. Asian markets finished Wednesday trading mixed, while European markets are lower in early trades. The rally in Chinese equities helped offset bearish sentiment in other parts of Asia, but tech-heavy boards in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea struggled as concerns about global trade policies weighed on sentiment. In Europe, the French CAC is underperforming as November Consumer Confidence missed expectations, adding to concerns about the region’s growth outlook.
Companies Mentioned: TechTarget, Community Health Systems
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S&P futures are down (0.02%), pointing to a flat open. Both Asian and European markets are lower today. Asia top stories include the Chinese sovereign bond yields declining toward record lows, and Adani Group stocks in India facing further selling pressure amid SEC bribery allegations. For Europe, UK finance minister Rachel Reeves pledged no further tax hikes for businesses until the next election.
Companies Mentioned: Amazon, Apple, Tesla, Poseida Therapeutics
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US equity futures are higher this morning, following gains in European markets, which are seeing broad-based strength. Asian markets closed mostly higher, Treasury yields dipped again in Asia trade Monday alongside the US dollar. Scott Bessent’s nomination as Treasury Secretary over the weekend has drawn significant attention. The market views Bessent as a market-friendly choice, emphasizing fiscal restraint alongside a pro-growth agenda. Meanwhile, fallout from the US SEC indictment of Gautam Adani continues to weigh on Adani Group assets.
Companies Mentioned: Samsung Electronics, Nvidia, Intel, Apple
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US futures are pointing to a very slightly lower, almost flat open today. European equity markets have opened in the positive territory, following mixed Asian markets. Markets are rotating away from Trump trades and becoming more macro-driven. Japan approved ¥21.9T stimulus plan plus ¥13.9T supplementary budget.
Companies Mentioned: EchoStar, TPG Inc, AT&T, Apple, Google
