Friday, July 8, 2022

US Market Wrap 07/08/2022

 - US stocks rose for the week after a strong jobs report alleviated recession fears while paving the way for the Federal Reserve to continue raising interest rates to combat inflation.


- After struggling for direction throughout the session, the S&P 500 closed flat on Friday. The Nasdaq 100 gained ground, recording its longest winning streak of the year. Treasuries fell, with the two-year and 10-year yield curves remaining inverted for the fourth day in a row.


- The jobs report reaffirmed the economy's strength, urging the Fed to remain aggressive in combating inflation. However, the moderation in the number of jobs was viewed as a positive sign as the central bank attempts to engineer a soft landing.


- Several Fed officials, including two of the central bank's most hawkish policymakers, stated this week that they support raising interest rates by 75 basis points for the second month in a row. Recent data also suggested to investors that fears of a recession were exaggerated, a claim echoed by Federal Reserve officials this week.


- Earlier, the markets were rocked by the assassination of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.


- Bitcoin is now worth around $21,000. The largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization is on track for its best weekly gain since March, aided by a resurgence of risk appetite in global markets in general.