Final read for November S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI up to 49.7 vs. 48.8 initially … pace of decline in new orders slowed sharply while cost inflation weakened … new export orders fell at a sharper pace (worst since June 2023) pic.twitter.com/nFg7yHlRAs
— Liz Ann Sonders (@LizAnnSonders) December 2, 2024
U.S. stock index futures showed little movement on Tuesday as investors await the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTs) report and speeches from Federal Reserve officials. The data and commentary could provide further insights into the future path of interest rates. The S&P 500 E-mini futures were flat, reflecting a cautious market sentiment.
November 2024 was best month for S&P 500 since November 2023
[Past performance is no guarantee of future results] pic.twitter.com/bdmh23SaBG— Liz Ann Sonders (@LizAnnSonders) December 2, 2024
Traders are preparing for the JOLTs report, which is expected to shed light on the health of the labor market. This is a vital component for the Fed when considering interest rate adjustments. Market participants are keen to see if job openings have remained robust.
This could indicate continued economic resilience despite recent rate hikes. Several Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak today. Investors will closely monitor their remarks for any clues on the central bank’s policy direction.
Stocks To Watch | ? Ready, set, trade! Keep an eye on these stocks as they set the market abuzz #StockMarket pic.twitter.com/j0nEYsrY0Y
— ET NOW (@ETNOWlive) December 3, 2024
Stock futures steady before key data
The Fed has been balancing between taming inflation and sustaining economic growth. The commodities market also remained muted.
Crude oil prices hovered near their previous closing levels as traders weighed supply concerns against fears of an economic slowdown. Metals like high-grade copper saw little action, awaiting more definitive signs of economic activity. The U.S. Dollar Index remained steady ahead of the economic data.
Major currency pairs showed minimal fluctuations, including the British Pound and Japanese Yen. In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin and Ether are traded within a narrow range. This reflects the broader market’s anticipation of upcoming economic indicators.
Financial markets are in a holding pattern with key data and Fed speeches on the horizon. Today’s events could set the tone for the markets in the near term, influencing trading decisions across various asset classes.