Trade Imperial Brands PLC - IMB CFD

The US earnings season has started on a positive note, with major banks exceeding expectations and boosting market sentiment.Key themes for the sector include investments in artificial intelligence, capital expenditure returns, and consumer trends in advertising and e-commerce. The S&P 500 continues to climb, driven by strong earnings, resilient economic growth, and the potential for interest rate cuts. Keep an eye on significant support and resistance levels as the market tests new record highs.

Markets are convinced the European Central Bank (ECB) will cut rates by 25 basis points again at Thursday’s meeting.

Australia's labour market remained stable in September 2024, with the unemployment rate forecast to hold at 4.2%, supported by a 25,200 person rise in employment. Despite the economy teetering on the edge of recession, strong hiring trends persist, challenging market economists' predictions.

Last week, we visualised the key potential drivers of gold in a chart focused on recent performance. Understanding the factors that can move gold prices is essential, but translating that knowledge into effective trading strategies is where the real potential can lie.

Earnings growth across the S&P 500 is expected to be modest in Q3, with a projected 4.2% increase in EPS, down from 7.8% in the previous quarter. Information technology, health care, and communication services are poised to drive growth, particularly IT with a forecasted 15% year-over-year EPS increase.

US inflation expectations are steady, with core CPI projected to remain at 3.2% for September while headline inflation moderates to its lowest level since February 2021. Despite the US Federal Reserve delivering a 50 basis point interest rate cut in September, stronger-than-expected job market data has raised concerns about sustained economic demand and inflation pressures.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is set to cut interest rates during its upcoming meeting, with expectations of either a 25 or 50 basis point reduction. This move follows a 25 basis point cut in August as the RBNZ responded to the country’s recessionary conditions and inflation concerns.