Written Commentary
FOMC Statement Issued Today
May 1, 2024
by Alan Bush
STOCK INDEX FUTURES
Global stock markets fell on renewed U.S.-China tensions. However, U.S. equity markets are well off the lows made in the overnight session.
Stock index futures in Europe are playing catch-up after most European markets were closed Friday for the May 1 holiday.
The 9:00 March factory orders report is expected to show a 9.5% decline.
Global trade issues in recent years tended to be a temporary negative influence on stock index futures.
CURRENCY FUTURES
The U.S. dollar is higher as global U.S. dollar shortages increase as emerging markets lose reserves.
The euro currency is lower after, according to the latest European Central Bank survey, the euro area economy will contract by 5.5% in the first quarter, which is sharply lower than last quarter’s report. In addition, the ECB said, “A large degree of normality is not likely to return before the third quarter.”
Today’s report also predicted a sharp bounce in 2021 gross domestic product to 4.3% from 1.2%.
Many analysts expect the ECB will expand its support for the region again by increasing its bond purchases, following other central banks that have pledged to buy bonds in almost unlimited quantities.
A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Finance said Germany is discussing coordinating possible stimulus efforts with the EU and the Group of Seven.
In the longer-term analysis there are no major disparities in interest rate differential expectations in the currency markets with all the major central banks adding more accommodation to their banking systems in one form or another.
INTEREST RATE MARKET FUTURES
There was only limited flight to quality buy coming into the market in light of lower stock index futures.
Futures are caught between the bullish influence of weaker global economies and the bearish influence of prospects of increased fiscal stimulus from the U.S., Europe and Asia.
The 30-year Treasury bond futures remain in a broadly based congestion pattern, as the main fundamental influences affecting the long end of the curve are offsetting.
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Futures and options trading involve significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. The information and comments contained herein is provided by ADMIS and in no way should be construed to be information provided by ADM. The author of this report did not have a financial interest in any of the contracts discussed in this report at the time the report was prepared. The information provided is designed to assist in your analysis and evaluation of the futures and options markets. However, any decisions you may make to buy, sell or hold a futures or options position on such research are entirely your own and not in any way deemed to be endorsed by or attributed to ADMIS. Copyright ADM Investor Services, Inc.
