Indices Overperform the News

STOCK INDEX FUTURES

Stock index futures are higher despite yesterday’s release of the hawkish on balance minutes from the July 26 Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

Jobless claims in the week ended August 12 were 239,000 when 240,000 were expected.

The August Philadelphia Federal Reserve manufacturing index was 12 when negative 10 was anticipated.

The 9:00 central time July leading indicators is predicted to be down 0.4%.

Futures are overperforming the news, which suggests there may be follow-through gains today.

CURRENCY FUTURES

The U.S. dollar index is lower and is underperforming the news.

Bankruptcy declarations in the European Union in the second quarter of this year hit the highest level since 2015. The number of bankrupt companies in the April-June period was 8.0% higher than in the previous quarter, marking a sixth straight increase.

Japan’s exports fell in July for the first time in 29 months, according to data from the Ministry of Finance. Exports fell 0.3% from a year earlier when economists expected exports would fall by 1.0%.

Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.7% in July from 3.5% in the previous month, which was above market expectations of 3.6% and is the highest level since April. The number of unemployed people increased by 35,600 to 541,000.

INTEREST RATE MARKET FUTURES

The newest fundamental in recent days is some Federal Reserve officials are once again talking about the need for an additional fed funds rate hike.

Government bond yields around the world worked higher as investors anticipate interest rates will remain elevated due to persistent high inflation. Yesterday’s release of the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee’s July 26 meeting showed officials continued to see significant upside risks to inflation, which could require additional tightening of monetary policy.

Despite the recently more hawkish Federal Reserve, most market participants see the Federal Reserve leaving its fed funds rate unchanged when it meets next month.

Financial futures markets are predicting there is an 86% probability that the Federal Open Market Committee will keep its fed funds rate unchanged at its September 20 policy meeting, and there is a 14% probability of a 25 basis point increase.

While Federal Reserve officials close in on the end of their tightening campaign, the debate is shifting from how high interest rates need to go to how long they should remain at elevated levels.

 

Interested in more futures markets?  Explore our Market Dashboards here.

Risk Warning: Investments in Equities, Contracts for Difference (CFDs) in any instrument, Futures, Options, Derivatives and Foreign Exchange can fluctuate in value. Investors should therefore be aware that they may not realise the initial amount invested and may incur additional liabilities. These investments may be subject to above average financial risk of loss. Investors should consider their financial circumstances, investment experience and if it is appropriate to invest. If necessary, seek independent financial advice.

ADM Investor Services International Limited, registered in England No. 2547805, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority [FRN 148474] and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Registered office: 3rd Floor, The Minster Building, 21 Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AG.                  

A subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland Company.

© 2024 ADM Investor Services International Limited.

Futures and options trading involve significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for everyone.  Therefore, carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition.  The information and comments contained herein is provided by ADMIS and in no way should be construed to be information provided by ADM.  The author of this report did not have a financial interest in any of the contracts discussed in this report at the time the report was prepared.  The information provided is designed to assist in your analysis and evaluation of the futures and options markets.  However, any decisions you may make to buy, sell or hold a futures or options position on such research are entirely your own and not in any way deemed to be endorsed by or attributed to ADMIS. Copyright ADM Investor Services, Inc.