Futures on US stock indices opened with gains and extended the recovery seen on Monday. S&P 500 futures rose by 0.3%, while the tech-heavy NASDAQ jumped by 0.5%. European stock indices also rebounded from their lows, with the Chinese stock market showing particularly strong gains. In the UK, the FTSE 100 index ended the longest losing streak since July 2019.
Notably strong growth is observed in the tech sector, where Nvidia Corp. shares gained 1.6% in premarket trading following an over 8% surge on Monday, supporting the NASDAQ. Activision Blizzard Inc. rose by 1.1% as the potential acquisition by Microsoft Corp. for $69 billion might still go through after approval from British regulatory authorities.
Despite the stock market recovering after three weeks of decline, investors are focused on the speech of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who will address the Economic Policy Symposium in Jackson Hole on Friday.
Recent data underscore the resilience of the US economy, potentially allowing for a smooth landing even in the face of high interest rates. This scenario maintains an appetite for tech company stocks, which have considerably declined in the past month. Investors now seek new insights into the trajectory of US monetary policy after Federal Reserve representatives raised rates to 5.5% last month – the highest level in 22 years. However, more than 80% of respondents in the latest Markets Live Pulse survey stated that Powell's speech in Jackson Hole would exert pressure on the market, given its hawkish nature.
In the bond market, the decline witnessed on Monday was partially compensated. The yield on 10-year inflation-protected Treasury bonds exceeded 2% for the first time since 2009. Oil continues to fall due to signs of supply recovery amid lingering demand issues.
Meanwhile, China is intensifying its battle against yuan sellers to halt a significant downward rally. The offshore yuan's rate recently stabilized after the People's Bank of China implemented the strongest currency fixing in history, suggesting that the Central Bank will continue to intervene in exchange rate formation.
As for the S&P 500, demand for the index has returned, maintaining buyers' prospects for correction. Bulls need to gain control above $4,427. They may drag the index to $4,447 from that level. Bulls also should settle the price above $4,469, which would cancel the bearish market. In case of a downward move due to decreased risk appetite, bulls will have to protect $4,405. Breaking through this level, the trading instrument may return to $4,382 and $4,357.
