S&P500 Forecast: SPX inches higher after CPI rises, as expected

US futures

Dow future 0.21% at 44001

S&P futures 0.15% at 5998

Nasdaq futures 0.14% at 21111

In Europe

FTSE 0.01% at 8020

Dax -0.37% at 18986

US inflation rose 0.2% MoM, 2.6% YoY
Treasury & USD ease, stocks inch higher
Fed speakers are in focus later
Oil steadies around a 2-week low

US CPI brings no surprises

U.S. stocks are edging higher after losses in the previous session and as investors digest the latest US inflation data, while looking ahead to more Fed speakers later today.

US inflation was in line with forecasts, rising 0.2% on a monthly basis (2.6% YoY), while core inflation was also as expected, rising 0.3% on a monthly basis (3.3% YoY). While the Fed focuses on the core PCE measure for inflation, for traders, the CPI report is as significant.

Given the few surprises in the report, the market reaction has been relatively muted. US treasury yields and the USD have eased slightly, and futures have recovered from earlier lows, suggesting a measure of relief that inflation wasn’t hotter, given the recent solid economic data from the US while supporting a December rate cut.

US stocks had struggled yesterday owing to the sharp rise in U.S. Treasury yields. Yesterday, the benchmark 10-year yield rose to its highest level since July.

Bond yields have soared following Trump's victory on expectations of lower taxes and higher tariffs, which will increase government borrowing and push up the deficit. These same policies are considered to be inflationary, potentially slowing the Feds' path for rate cuts.

The market is currently pricing in a 63% probability of the Fed cutting rates by 25 basis points in the December meeting, this was down from almost 80% prior to the election last week.

There are plenty of Fed officials scheduled to speak later today and could shed more light on the Fed’s future path for rate cuts. Yesterday Neel Kshkari

Corporate news

Rivian is set to open 12% higher after the EV maker and Volkswagen announced an injection of funds into the joint venture.

Spotify is set to open over 8% higher after posting solid subscriber subscriber growth in the quarter and issuing a strong forecast for the year ahead.

Tesla is rebounding from steep losses in the previous session despite the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announcing that Tesla will recall 2431 vehicles in the US over safety concerns. Tesla has been a clear beneficiary of Trump’s victory.

Spirit Airlines is set to open 65% lower after reports the troubled carrier is in final negotiations with bondholders on a restructuring plan.

S&P 500 forecast – technical analysis.

The S&P500 hovers around its all-time high of 6027, easing back modestly but still above the near-term rising trendline. Buyers will look to retake 6027 and push to fresh all time highs. Support can be seen at 5875, the October high. A break below here exposes the 50 SMA and 5700, the November low. A break below here creates a lower low.

FX markets – USD rises, EUR/USD falls

The USD is falling after inflation data brought no surprises, rising in line with forecasts.

EUR/USD has fallen to its lowest level in seven months as markets continue to fret over the potential impact of Trump trade tariffs, which could force the ECB to cut rates more aggressively. The eurozone economic calendar is quiet today, but attention will be on GDP data and the ECB meeting minutes tomorrow.

GBP/USD is hovering around a three-month low amid a quiet day for UK economic data and as investors continue to digest yesterday's mixed job data, which showed higher-than-expected unemployment and sticky wage growth. The data comes after the BoE cut rates last week but is unlikely to cut gains in December.

Oil falls on China demand concerns.

Oil prices are inching higher but remain near a two-week low amid a gloomy demand outlook following OPEC's downward revision to oil demand growth for this year and next.

Earlier in the week, OPEC lowered its forecast for global oil demand amid concerns over the outlook in China. Despite China's stimulus efforts, the market is not convinced that the measures will be sufficient. The IEA will release its monthly oil forecasts report on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the stronger U.S. dollar is also hurting oil prices as a stronger dollar makes buying oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.

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