Stock Market Recap: Major Indexes Rebound on November 1, 2024
S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones Rally Despite Weak Jobs Report
On Friday, November 1, 2024, the U.S. stock market staged a significant comeback, with major indexes rebounding from previous losses. This turnaround came despite a surprisingly weak jobs report, which investors interpreted as a potential catalyst for the Federal Reserve to consider rate cuts in the near future.
Market Performance Highlights:
– S&P 500 (^GSPC): Up 0.75% to 5,748.24
– Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC): Gained 0.99% to 18,274.17
– Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI): Rose 0.76% to 42,080.57
The tech-heavy Nasdaq led the gains, buoyed by strong performances from key players in the technology sector.
Jobs Report Shocks Market, Fuels Rate Cut Speculation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy added a mere 12,000 jobs in October, falling significantly short of economists’ expectations. This dramatic miss was attributed to recent hurricanes and strike activity, most notably at Boeing (BA). Despite the weak headline number, the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%.
This unexpected jobs data has intensified speculation about the Federal Reserve’s next move. Market expectations for the upcoming Fed meeting on November 7 now price in a 98% probability of a quarter-point rate cut, according to CME FedWatch.
Tech Giants Lead the Charge
Amazon (AMZN) and Intel (INTC) Spark Rally
Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) emerged as a standout performer, with its stock surging 7.02% to $199.49. The e-commerce giant’s impressive third-quarter results, driven by strong performance in its cloud and advertising businesses, added a staggering $104 billion to its market capitalization.
Intel Corporation (INTC) also contributed to the tech sector’s strength, with its shares climbing 5.37% to $22.68. The chipmaker’s upbeat revenue projections for the coming quarters helped alleviate some concerns about the semiconductor industry’s outlook.
Other Notable Movers and Upcoming Events
– NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Up 2.68% to $136.32, continuing its strong performance in the AI-driven chip market.
– Apple Inc. (AAPL): Bucked the trend, slipping 0.91% to $223.85 ahead of its earnings report next week.
– Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM): Gained 0.42% to $117.27, benefiting from a rally in oil prices.
Upcoming Market Events:
1. U.S. Presidential Election (November 5, 2024)
2. Federal Reserve Policy Meeting (November 6-7, 2024)
3. Earnings reports from major tech companies in the coming weeks
Global Market Influences
Asian markets started the month cautiously, with most indices trading lower. The Japanese Nikkei fell 2.1% as a stronger yen impacted the outlook for exporters. Chinese markets showed resilience, with the blue-chip CSI 300 index inching up 0.1% after a private survey indicated a return to expansion in China’s factory activity for October.
Oil prices extended their rally, with Brent crude rising nearly 2% to $74.13 a barrel, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Looking Ahead: Market Expectations and Challenges
As we move into a crucial period with the U.S. presidential election and the Fed’s policy decision on the horizon, market volatility is expected to remain elevated. Investors will be closely monitoring these events for their potential impact on monetary policy, fiscal initiatives, and overall market sentiment.
The technology sector’s performance, particularly in AI-related spending and cloud services, will continue to be a key driver of market direction. However, concerns about the sustainability of high capital expenditures in the AI space persist, as evidenced by recent market reactions to spending announcements from major tech firms.
In conclusion, while the stock market showed resilience on November 1, 2024, investors remain cautious as they navigate through a complex landscape of economic data, corporate earnings, and significant political events. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the market’s trajectory for the remainder of the year and beyond.
