The positive sentiment appears to have carried forward into the new week, as major index futures all point to a higher opening on Monday. Earnings could exert a significant influence on stocks and the market this week, overshadowing economic data. Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC), and Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) are among the key companies set to release earnings reports, likely capturing investors’ attention.
Traders will receive data on the central bank’s preferred inflation gauge, specifically the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Index, on Friday. This number could be crucial as it is expected to shape investor expectations regarding the upcoming rate decision on Jan. 31.
Cues From Last Week's Trading:
Stocks closed the holiday-shortened week ending Jan. 19 on a positive note. Traders overcame early-week jitters caused by some Federal Reserve officials and economic data that dampened hopes of rate cuts. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited’s (NYSE:TSM) strong outlook attracted buyers back into the market on Thursday. This positive sentiment drove the S&P 500 Index to a record high in Friday’s session.
LPL Financial Chief Global Strategist Quincy Krosby noted, “As technology, semiconductors, and consumer discretionary led the S&P 500 to new highs, it reflected the strength of the growth sectors that underpinned the inherent strength in the bull market that was born earlier last year.”
US Index Performance In Week Ended Jan. 19
Index Performance (+/-) Value Nasdaq Composite +2.26% 15,310.97 S&P 500 Index +1.17% 4,839.81 Dow Industrials +0.72% 37,863.80 Russell 2000 -0.34% 1,944.39
Analyst Color:
John Lynch, Chief Investment Strategist at Comerica Wealth Management, brought up the possibility for a ...