S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 Inch Higher Following US PPI Data

• US PPI data came in weaker than expected, leading to increased rate cut bets and a rise in US indices.
• Th Immediate resistance for the S&P 500 is at 5421, with support at 5330.e June-August period is historically the second-strongest 3-month period for the S&P 500, averaging a 3.2% return.
• Immediate resistance for the S&P 500 is at 5421, with support at 5330.

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Wall Street’s main indexes have continued their upward trend today, partly due to the weak US PPI data. The Producer Price Inflation figures showed a year-on-year increase of 2.2%, a significant decrease from the previous 2.6%. 

The core PPI fell to 2.4% from 3% the prior month, with a month-on-month rise of only 0.1%. This data has led market participants to increase their rate cut bets, benefiting US indices.

Examining individual stocks, Starbucks surged nearly 10% in premarket trading after naming Chipotle’s Brian Niccol as CEO. Following the US market opening, Nvidia climbed 4.5%, and Tesla increased by 3.75%. In terms of sector performance, the Tech sector is leading, up 1.47% at the time of writing.

S&P 500 Sector Summary

Source: LSEG

Seasonality

A couple of weeks back we took a look at seasonality and how it might affect markets. I have come across a new chart that looks at the performance of the S&P 500 over various three-month periods during the year.

According to the data the June-August period is the second strongest 3 month period, averaging a return of 3.2%. The index has also recorded gains 65% of the time during this period dating all the way back to 1928.

Source: Bloomberg, BofA Research, Isabelnet

The previous seasonality analysis also examined US election years, revealing a slight dip in US indices during September and October of election years, followed by a post-election and Santa rally in December.

This information could be valuable as the S&P 500 continues to climb and the election approaches. However, this year comes with several other challenges affecting market sentiment, which must also be taken into account.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the week, key data releases such as US inflation, retail sales, and Michigan consumer sentiment are expected. Combined with geopolitical developments, these factors could significantly impact the market for the rest of the week.

Technical Analysis S&P 500

From a technical perspective, the S&P 500 has been noteworthy since the lows on August 5.

A bullish engulfing candle at the end of last week was followed by two days of indecision before today’s rise after the data release.

On the daily chart, the overall structure remains bearish, with a break and daily close above the 5538 swing high needed to confirm a bullish trend.

Immediate resistance is at 5421, with the 5500 level becoming relevant again after that.

On the downside, support is at 5330, aligning with the 100-day moving average, before reaching the 5267 level.

S&P 500 Daily Chart, August 13, 2024

Source: TradingView (click to enlarge)

Support

• 5330
• 5267
• 5200

Resistance

• 5421
• 5500
• 5575

Source: Edgeful 

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