FOMC expectations and the future for US stock indices
It is a big week for many markets with several central banks meeting to discuss rates. Analysts anticipate that the Fed will keep US interest rates on hold this month, with a hike potentially due in November.
Markets volatile with 'triple witching' event
US stock indices ended last week mixed after volatility on Friday thought to be related to the ‘triple witching’ event (expiry across stock options, index options and futures) saw key stock indices close lower. For the week, the Dow Jones added 41 points (0.12%), the S&P 500 closed 0.16% lower, and the Nasdaq lost 0.5%.
This week is a huge one for markets, with central bank meetings for the Federal Reserve Bank (Fed), the Bank of England (BoE), the Bank of Japan (BoJ), the Norge's Bank, the Riksbank and the Swiss National Bank (SNB). On top of that, there is CPI inflation data in the UK and Japan, as well as global flash purchasing manufacturing indexes (PMIs) later in the week.
Ahead of Thursday morning's FOMC, according to the CME's FedWatch tool, the rates market is assigning a 99% chance that the Fed will keep rates on hold in September. It then sees a 27% chance of a rate hike in November.
The FOMC is widely expected to maintain their target rate for the Fed Fund at 5.25%-5.50%. This means all the focus will be on the accompanying statement. The Fed Chair is expected to provide a balanced tone, like Jackson Hole, providing optionality with a mix of dovish and hawkish comments in accordance with the Fed's data-dependant stance.
The SEP (dots) will be of interest, with the 2023 median expected to reflect one more 25bp rate hike for a terminal rate of 5.50%-5.75%. A final rate hike would be considered fine-tuning as the Fed approaches the end of its rate hiking cycle. Further out, the 2024 median dot will likely reflect 75bp of Fed rate cuts next year.
US Fed Funds rate chart
S&P 500 technical analysis
The view remains that the correction in the S&P 500, which started in July, has further to go. Specifically, we are looking for another leg lower to retest and break the mid-August low with the potential to test uptrend support at 4250/20 to complete a Wave IV (Elliott Wave) corrective pullback.
Should the pullback play out as expected, we then expect to see the uptrend resume, which would see the S&P 500 test and break the highs of July and possibly set up a test of the bull market 2022, 4818 high.
SPX daily chart
Nasdaq technical analysis
The view remains that the correction in the Nasdaq, which started in July, has further to go. Specifically, we are looking for another leg lower to initially retest the mid-August low and uptrend support 14,600/500 area. A sustained break below 14,600/500 can test wave equality support 14,200/14,000 area to complete a Wave IV (Elliott Wave) corrective pullback.
Should the pullback play out as expected, we then expect to see the uptrend resume, which would see the Nasdaq test and break the highs of July and possibly set up a test of the bull market 2021, 16764 high.
NDX daily chart
Source: TradingView
TradingView: the figures stated are as of 18 September 2023. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This report does not contain and is not to be taken as containing any financial product advice or financial product recommendation. Disclaimer:
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Australia Pty Ltd. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Professional clients can lose more than they deposit. All trading involves risk.
The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs bought through a share dealing account, a stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
CFD, share dealing and stocks and shares ISA accounts provided by IG Markets Ltd, spread betting provided by IG Index Ltd. IG is a trading name of IG Markets Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 04008957) and IG Index Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 01190902). Registered address at Cannon Bridge House, 25 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2YA. Both IG Markets Ltd (Register number 195355) and IG Index Ltd (Register number 114059) are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The information on this site is not directed at residents of the United States, Belgium or any particular country outside the UK and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.
Publication date:
2023-09-18 11:46:10 (GMT)
