The Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all experienced declines, with the Dow Jones falling by 0.3% or 106 points. This downturn was accompanied by a rise in the 2-year and 10-year Treasury yields, reaching their highest levels since 2006 and 2007 respectively. These trends were attributed to ongoing signs of economic growth and newly sparked inflationary fears following a recent surge in oil prices. The timing of the oil price climb coincided with the beginning of a two-day meeting held by the Federal Reserve, which is expected to result in an unchanged rate decision on Wednesday.
Investor attention is now focused on the updated summary of economic projections and comments made by Fed chairman Jerome Powell. It is anticipated that the Fed will refrain from further rate hikes due to positive inflation data. However, there is a potential for inflation to revive early next year due to increased medical costs, a potential easing of rent deflation, and ongoing energy price increases. This may lead to a further tightening by the Fed in the first quarter of next year.
Projections accompanying the rate decision are expected to show upgrades in growth and the labor market, as well as a downward revision to inflation, particularly in 2023.
In other news, the United Auto Workers union threatened to expand the ongoing strikes at car manufacturing factories across Detroit’s major automakers – Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis – if “significant progress” is not made in reaching an agreement by Friday at noon. The strikes were initiated after the union rejected a labor deal proposed by the automakers.
Amazon.com announced plans to hire 250,000 employees in the U.S. ahead of the holiday season to meet increased demand. Additionally, Walt Disney Company revealed its intention to nearly double its investment in Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products over the next decade, investing around $60 billion. Disney stated that it has over 1,000 acres of land available for potential theme park development.
Instacart, the online grocery delivery company, experienced a successful stock market debut. Its shares opened at $42, a 40% increase from its IPO price, and closed the day 12% higher.
Energy stocks, however, suffered a decline of 0.7% as oil prices dipped slightly but are expected to resume their upward trajectory due to a crude supply shortfall. Halliburton, Marathon Petroleum Corp, and Valero Energy Corporation were among the corporations that experienced the largest declines in the energy sector.
Sources:
– Investing.com
– Other sources not provided.