Monday Market Must-Knows: September 25, 2023

Last week, the FOMC meeting met expectations by keeping interest rates unchanged, but other central banks, like the Swiss National Bank and the Bank of England, surprised us by not raising rates as expected. This led to uncertainty and sharp market declines, with indexes down nearly 3%.

For the upcoming trading week, notable earnings reports include BYD, Costco, Cintas, Micron Technologies, Paychex, Nike, Jabil Circuit, CarMax and Carnival Cruise Line.

Then, the economic focus shifts to GDP, which Fed Chair Jerome Powell expects to slow. The latest GDP reading is set to be released on Thursday, and although expectations are for a slight increase from 2.1% to 2.3%, the recent trend suggests uncertainty. Market volatility is expected around this announcement.

Additionally, the Core PCE Price Index, a key indicator of inflation, is due on Friday. It has been stable at 0.2% for the past two months, aligning closely with the Fed's 2% inflation target. If it remains at 0.2%, it could indicate that inflation is in line with the Fed's goals.

Preparation and having a plan in place are crucial for traders and investors to navigate these uncertain times and potentially capitalize on market movements. The Core PCE Price Index release on Friday is likely to be the most significant market mover of the week.

As always, if you’re in the markets, make sure you have a trade plan. Join us for a FREE introductory class. Learn about tools & rules for trading with confidence-so you can stay one step ahead of market volatility. Stay Informed, Start Knowing Today!