US indices futures rebound following weeks of declines

Mixed views shape market expectations

By Laila Eid | @Laila Eid | 21 August 2023

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  • The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq technology index have experienced three consecutive weeks of decline

  • Gold witnessed a slight increase during Monday's trading

  • A degree of market stability in anticipation of the Jackson Hole meeting

US indices futures Rebound

After a series of disheartening declines, the US indices futures have staged a remarkable turnaround at the commencement of this trading week. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Technology Index, which had faced three consecutive weeks of downward trajectory, witnessed a positive performance that has reignited hope among market participants. This resurgence comes as a much-needed breath of fresh air for investors who were growing concerned over the prolonged slide in these prominent indices.

The S&P 500, in particular, had grappled with a challenging period since the onset of the current month's trading, experiencing a substantial decline of 4.40%. The reasons behind these setbacks are multi-faceted, with market sentiment being heavily influenced by the Federal Reserve's tentative stance. The release of key economic indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading, and the US jobs report further deepened the divide among market experts about the future direction of the central bank's policies.

Divergent viewpoints emerged regarding future market movements, with some foreseeing weaker sentiment due to economic concerns, while others remained optimistic about a soft landing due to subdued inflation. The upcoming Jackson meeting is anticipated to provide clarity on the banks' next steps.

Gold Stabilizes Below $1,900

Gold experienced a dip below the $1,900 per ounce mark, despite a slight uptick during Monday's trading. This drop comes on the heels of four consecutive weeks of decline. The underlying narrative is shaped by indications pointing towards the continuation of the interest rate hike cycle in the US. All eyes are on the forthcoming Jackson Hole Symposium, with anticipation surrounding Jerome Powell's anticipated tone. It's speculated that Powell might strike a calm note and possibly hint at the conclusion of the more than year-long monetary tightening cycle.