Wall Street between chips and cuts

Technology and Fed rate-cut expectations drove Wall Street. We analyze the week's key drivers, the influence of AI, and the market's delicate balance in the face of economic deceleration.
Blog-WeeklySep15

Market Overview

The last week brought notable gains to Wall Street, driven by weaker-than-expected economic data and strong performance in the technology sector, particularly in artificial intelligence.

  • The S&P 500 rose about 0.8% for the week, extending its recent winning streak.

  • The Nasdaq Composite led the way again with a gain of more than 1.3%, fueled by tech and semiconductor stocks.

  • The Dow Jones was little changed, weighed down by industrial and consumer sectors.

Markets remain focused on the balance between anticipated Fed rate cuts and growing signs of economic slowdown.

Key Drivers of the Week

  • Tech leadership: Broadcom jumped nearly 13% after reporting strong results and upbeat AI-driven forecasts. Nvidia and AMD also posted solid gains.

  • Banks and consumer under pressure: Financials retreated as Treasury yields fell, while consumer-related sectors weakened on lower confidence data.

  • Fixed income rally: Yields on the 10-year U.S. Treasury declined, boosting bets on rate cuts and supporting rate-sensitive sectors like real estate and utilities.

  • Gold strength: The precious metal advanced further, consolidating its role as a safe haven amid economic uncertainty.

Monetary Policy and Macro Data in Focus

The latest jobs report showed only 22,000 new positions, well below expectations. This fueled market conviction that the Fed may begin cutting rates in September, though debate remains over the size of the move.

Upcoming inflation (CPI) and consumption (PCE) reports will be crucial in shaping expectations for monetary policy through year-end.

Short-Term Outlook

  • Tech dominance: AI and semiconductor companies are expected to keep driving market sentiment.

  • Data sensitivity: Each new economic release could reshape the Fed’s rate-cut timeline.

  • Cautious optimism: Investor confidence remains positive but hinges on policy announcements ahead.

Additionally, investors are closely watching the upcoming third-quarter earnings season, which will begin in the coming weeks. 

Expectations are mixed: while the tech sector is projected to post solid profits, consumer and industrial companies may face pressure from higher costs and slowing demand. These results could act as a key catalyst in confirming or challenging the current bullish momentum.

Conclusion

Wall Street ended the week with solid gains, supported by tech momentum and expectations of monetary easing. Still, signs of economic slowdown keep caution in play for investors.

The opinions in the preceding commentary are as of the date of publication and are subject to change.  Information has been obtained from third party sources we consider reliable, but we do not guarantee the facts cited are accurate or complete.  This material is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast or investment advice regarding a particular investment or the markets in general, nor is it intended to predict or depict performance of any investment. We may execute transactions in securities that may not be consistent with the report’s conclusions.  Investors should consult their financial advisor on the strategy best for them.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results. For illustrative purposes only. Does not represent an investment recommendation. For more information, please see our Social Media Disclosure.

Securities offered by Northbound Securities, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC 

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters Energy, CNBC Markets, ISM Manufacturing Report