Stock market kicked off Wednesday on an optimistic note, with investors closely tracking consumer inflation data, which could hold sway over the Federal Reserve’s impending policy decision. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) edged up by approximately 0.2%, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) saw a robust 0.3% surge. The Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) followed suit, opening 0.2% higher after a more than 1% pullback in the preceding session.
August’s Consumer Price Index report revealed a larger-than-anticipated spike in inflation last month, with headline prices marking a 0.6% month-to-month increase and a significant 3.7% surge on an annual basis. This upward trend was primarily propelled by the recent upswing in energy prices. This data constitutes the final inflation print the Federal Reserve will receive prior to its upcoming meeting, making it a pivotal factor in the central bank’s decision-making process regarding the prolongation of higher interest rates.
Prices for West Texas Intermediate crude (CL=F) and Brent (BZ=F) oil continued their ascent on Wednesday, trading near 10-month highs. This development exerted pressure on the stock market, potentially complicating the Fed’s efforts to curb inflation.
All eyes remain fixed on the highly anticipated Arm IPO, with investors eagerly awaiting pricing details for the offering slated for Wednesday, followed by trading commencement in New York on Thursday. Sources cited by Reuters indicate that the Softbank-backed British chip designer is inclined to secure backing at or above the upper range of $47 to $51 per share.
In another corner of the market, Apple Inc. seized attention following the launch of the iPhone 15, even as China raised concerns over “security incidents” associated with the smartphone on Wednesday. Chinese officials were quick to deny any intention of restricting the use of iPhones within government departments and state-owned enterprises. However, reports of these concerns contributed to a dip in Apple’s stock value.
Simultaneously, the European Union has initiated an investigation into the subsidies provided by China to its electric vehicle manufacturers, aiming to forestall an influx of low-cost imports. While shares in Europe’s automotive sector initially surged after this announcement, apprehensions of a potential Chinese retaliation caused them to backtrack.
The release of consumer inflation data spurred positive movements in the stock market today, but a cluster of companies will continue to command attention as the week unfolds.
Source: Yahoo Finance
