Stocks Weaken Ahead of US Nov CPI Report

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.45%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.21%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.65%.

Stocks today are under pressure, with the markets awaiting US inflation news this week for direction.  Higher T-note yields today are weighing on stocks along with heightened geopolitical risks in the Middle East after rebels toppled Bashar Al-Assad’s government in Syria, which could lead to a power vacuum in the country as various militias and factions vie for control. 

On the positive side for stocks is an increase in M&A Activity after Omnicron Group agreed to buy Interpublic Group in a deal valued at $13.3 billion, excluding debt.  Also, Bloomberg reported that Mondelez International is exploring an acquisition of Hershey Co. 

The markets are looking toward Wednesday’s US consumer price report for November to see if the pace of consumer prices can allow the Fed to keep easing monetary policy.  Nov CPI is expected to tick up slightly to +2.7% y/y from +2.6% y/y in Oct.  Meanwhile, Nov CPI ex-food and energy is expected to remain unchanged from Oct at +3.3% y/y.

Global equity markets received a boost today from a shift in Chinese monetary policy.   The Chinese Politburo, the ruling Communist Party’s most senior 24 officials led by President Xi Jinping, announced today that it would embrace a "moderately loose" strategy for monetary policy next year and vowed to be "more proactive" on fiscal policy, a sign of further easing ahead.  The Politburo also made direct pledges to "stabilize property and stock markets" and promised "extraordinary" counter-cyclical policy adjustments to boost the economy. 

The markets are discounting the chances at 89% for a -25 bp rate cut at the December 17-18 FOMC meeting.

Overseas stock markets today are mixed.  The Euro Stoxx 50 rose to a 1-3/4 month high and is up +0.39%.  China's Shanghai Composite Index fell from a 3-week high and closed down -0.05%.  Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +0.18%.

Interest Rates

March 10-year T-notes (ZNH25) today are down -8 ticks.  The 10-year T-note yield is up +2.7 bp to 4.180%.  Today’s +2% jump in WTI crude oil prices has boosted inflation expectations and is bearish for T-note prices.  Also, supply pressures are weighing on T-note prices as the Treasury will auction $119 billion of reopened T-notes and T-bonds this week, beginning with Tuesday’s $58 billion auction of 3-year T-notes. 

European government bond yields today are mixed.  The 10-year German bund yield is up +0.6 bp to 2.114%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -0.8 bp to 4.267%.

The Eurozone Dec Sentix investor confidence index unexpectedly fell -4.7 to a 13-month low of -17.5, weaker than expectations of an increase to -12.3.

Swaps are discounting the chances at 100% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its December 12 policy meeting and at 7% for a -50 bp rate cut at the same meeting.

US Stock Movers

Nvidia (NVDA) is down more than -2% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after China Central Television reported that China’s State Administration for Market Regulation opened a probe into the company over suspicions that it has broken anti-monopoly laws. 

Omicron Group (OMC) is down more than -7% after acquiring Interpublic Group in a deal valued at $13.3 billion, excluding debt.

Comcast (CMCSA) is down more than -6% after CEO Watson projects broadband subscriber losses of more than 100,000 in Q4 due to hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is down more than -4% after Bank of America Global Research downgraded the stock to neutral from buy, citing downside risks to the company’s 2025 expectations. 

Sofi Technologies (SOFI) is down more than -3% after Bank of America Global Research downgraded the stock to underperform from neutral with a price target of $12. 

BioAge Labs (BIOA) is down more than -76% after it discontinued a Phase-2 trial evaluating its azelaprag drug for the treatment of obesity. 

Houlihan Lokey (HLI) is down more than -2% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to underweight from equal weight. 

Bank of America (BAC) is down more than -1% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to equal weight from overweight. 

Hershey (HSY) is up more than +11% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after Bloomberg reported that Mondelez International is exploring an acquisition of the company.

Interpublic Group (IPG) is up more than +8% after Omnicom Group acquired the company in a deal valued at $13.3 billion, excluding debt.

Workday (WDAY) is up more than +6% after S&P Dow Jones Indices announced the stock will replace Amentum Holdings in the S&P 500 before trading on December 23. 

US-listed Chinese stocks are climbing today after China’s top leaders signaled further stimulus ahead.  As a result, PDD Holdings (PDD) is up more than +11% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100.  Also, Alibaba Group Holdings (BABA), Baidu (BIDU), and NetEase (NTES) are up more than +7%. 

VeriSign (VRSN) is up more than +5% after Baird upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral with a price target of $250.

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) is up more than +3% after Nasdaq granted the company until February 25 to file its financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, as well as its quarterly report for results in the period ended September 30. 

Newell Brands (NWL) is up more than +9% after Truist Securities upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $17. 

Macy’s (M) is up more than +2% after the Wall Street Journal reported that activist investor Barington Capital has built a position in the company and plans to push for changes, including the establishment of a separate real estate unit.

Earnings Reports (12/9/2024)

Casey's General Stores Inc (CASY), MongoDB Inc (MDB), Oracle Corp (ORCL), Toll Brothers Inc (TOL), and Vail Resorts Inc (MTN).