Weekly Recap
The week from June 10 to June 14, 2024, was marked by significant movements across various tradable assets, driven by a mix of corporate earnings, central bank decisions, and economic data releases. Here is a detailed summary of the most influential events and trends observed in the financial markets.
Stock Markets
- U.S. Stock Market
The U.S. stock market showed mixed performance throughout the week. The S&P 500 index saw modest gains, primarily driven by strong earnings reports from major technology companies. Oracle’s Q4 financial results were notable, despite a slight miss on earnings expectations. The company reported revenue growth to $14.3 billion and announced significant partnerships with Google and OpenAI, boosting investor confidence.
Broadcom also announced strong Q2 financial earnings, with shares jumping 9% in extended trading. The semiconductor giant’s revenue increased by 43% year-on-year, significantly surpassing market expectations.
- International Markets
European markets were influenced by inflation forecast adjustments made by the European Central Bank (ECB). The ECB revised its inflation estimates upwards, indicating potential interest rate cuts later in the year, affecting investor sentiment across the region. Denmark followed suit with a quarter-point rate cut.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose slightly, while the broader TOPIX index faced slight declines. The upcoming Bank of Japan policy meeting and potential tapering of bond purchases were closely watched, affecting market dynamics. Meanwhile, Chinese markets faced a downturn despite positive real estate sector data and stronger-than-expected export growth.
Forex and Commodities
- Forex
The U.S. dollar rose against most major currencies, influenced by mixed inflation data and anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s next moves. The Japanese yen saw a temporary rise, supported by intervention from Japan’s Ministry of Finance to stabilize the currency.
- Commodities
Oil prices experienced volatility due to various global economic signals. A stronger dollar and concerns over global economic growth tempered gains, despite earlier optimism fueled by supply constraints.
Corporate Earnings
Several major companies announced their earnings, impacting their stock performance and overall market sentiment:
– Oracle (ORCL):Reported a slight earnings miss but saw a positive reaction due to strategic partnerships with tech giants.
– Broadcom (AVGO): Significantly exceeded earnings expectations, leading to a substantial rise in stock price.
– Adobe (ADBE): Recorded strong quarterly performance with notable increases in EPS and revenue, driven by advancements in AI initiatives.
Economic Data and Central Bank Actions
- Federal Reserve
Investors closely monitored the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates, with expectations of potential policy changes impacting market behavior. The week saw cautious optimism as Fed decisions remained data-dependent.
- European Central Bank (ECB)
 The ECB’s inflation forecast revisions pointed to a more cautious outlook, with potential interest rate cuts on the horizon. This cautious stance was mirrored by other central banks in Europe, affecting bond yields and investor sentiment across the continent.Â
- Bank of Japan (BOJ)Â
 Speculation around potential gradual tapering of the BOJ’s bond purchases had a mixed impact on Japanese markets. While the central bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, gradual steps towards monetary tightening are anticipated.Â
SummeryÂ
The week from June 10 to June 14, 2024, was characterized by major corporate earnings, strategic central bank decisions, and volatile economic indicators. These combined factors shaped market movements, providing a detailed picture of the global financial landscape. Investors remain vigilant as they navigate these developments, closely monitoring upcoming economic data and central bank actions.