Stock Market Today: Major Indexes Hit Record Highs Amid Tech Rally and Jobs Data
Market Performance: S&P 500 and Nasdaq Reach New Heights
On Friday, December 6, 2024, the U.S. stock market continued its impressive run, with major indexes scaling new peaks. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reached record highs, driven by a strong rally in technology stocks. As of midday trading, the S&P 500 was up 0.3%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq advanced 0.9%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also showed positive momentum, trading 149 points higher, or 0.3%.
Tech Sector Leads the Charge
The technology sector emerged as the day’s standout performer, powering the broader market’s gains. The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) hit its first all-time high since July, surging 1.5%. This resurgence in tech stocks challenges the notion that the tech trade is over, suggesting a potential reacceleration in the sector.
Key tech movers:
– Salesforce (CRM) climbed 8% after beating fiscal third-quarter revenue estimates.
– Marvell Technology (MRVL) advanced 24% following strong earnings and upbeat fourth-quarter guidance.
– DocuSign (DOCU) gained 15% after surpassing analyst expectations and revising its fiscal year outlook.
Employment Data in Focus
Investors are closely watching the release of the November jobs report, a crucial indicator of the U.S. economy’s health. Economists polled by Dow Jones expect the economy to have added 214,000 jobs in November. This data could provide insights into the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves, particularly regarding interest rates.
Recent employment indicators:
– ADP’s private payrolls report showed an addition of 146,000 jobs in November, below the expected 163,000.
– Initial jobless claims for the week ending November 30 increased to 224,000, up from 213,000 in the previous week.
Market Movers and Corporate News
Several companies made significant moves based on earnings reports and corporate announcements:
1. Lululemon Athletica (LULU): Shares surged over 8% after beating Q3 earnings estimates.
2. Ulta Beauty (ULTA): Stock jumped 11% following strong earnings and an raised fiscal year forecast.
3. Asana (ASAN): Shares skyrocketed 24% after the company returned to profitability and exceeded analyst expectations.
4. JetBlue Airways (JBLU): The airline’s stock soared 8% after revising its full-year revenue guidance upward.
Upcoming Market Events and Economic Indicators
Investors should keep an eye on these upcoming events that could impact market sentiment:
1. Consumer Sentiment (Preliminary): To be released at 10:00 AM ET, providing insights into consumer confidence.
2. Consumer Credit Data: Scheduled for release at 3:00 PM ET, offering a view of consumer spending habits.
3. Federal Reserve Speeches: Chicago Fed President Goolsbee is set to speak at 10:30 AM ET, potentially providing clues on monetary policy direction.
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Impact
The cryptocurrency market continues to make waves, with Bitcoin recently surpassing the $100,000 mark for the first time. This milestone has sparked discussions about its potential impact on traditional financial markets. Some analysts, like Fundstrat’s Tom Lee, suggest that Bitcoin’s rally could be a precursor to the S&P 500’s performance for the rest of the year.
Global Market Outlook
While U.S. markets are showing strength, global markets present a mixed picture:
– Asian markets closed with mixed results on Friday.
– European markets were trading in positive territory in early sessions.
– Crude oil futures fell 0.56%, hovering around $67.92 per barrel.
Investor Sentiment and Future Outlook
Despite the current rally, some investors remain cautious. The CME Group’s FedWatch tool indicates a 66.7% expectation of a 25-basis-point rate cut in December, slightly up from 66% a week ago. However, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s recent comments about the U.S. economy’s strength have introduced an element of uncertainty.
As we move forward, market participants will be closely monitoring economic data, corporate earnings, and Fed policy decisions to gauge the sustainability of the current bull run. The interplay between tech sector performance, employment data, and global economic factors will likely shape market trends in the coming weeks.
