The S&P 500 Index (SPX) experienced its worst week since October as geopolitical tensions and bond volatility created challenges for money managers with high exposures to stocks and credit, following a period of optimism driven by declining inflation and strong corporate profits.
Super Micro Computer Inc. plans to sell 2 million shares of common stock in a public offering, aiming to raise up to $2 billion after its stock surged nearly 1,000% in the past year, reaching a $56 billion market cap and earning a spot in the S&P 500 Index.
AMC Entertainment Holdings' stock rallied over 10% on Tuesday, marking its largest daily gain since August. This comes after hitting record lows, with CEO Adam Aron expressing frustration over the decline. The stock's recent performance contrasts sharply with the meme-stock frenzy, during which it surged to an all-time high. Despite the recent rally, AMC shares have fallen 92.5% over the past 52 weeks, in contrast to the S&P 500 index's gain.
According to Bloomberg's Markets Live Pulse survey, respondents expect the S&P 500 Index to reach a record high of 4,808 points in 2024, with the US economy avoiding a recession. However, due to a weaker consumer, the index's gains are projected to be less than this year's 20% surge.
According to Bloomberg's Markets Live Pulse survey, the S&P 500 Index is expected to reach a record high in 2024, surpassing its previous peak, as the US economy avoids a recession. However, the index's gains are projected to be lower than this year's surge of 20% due to a weaker consumer. The survey also indicates that the majority of respondents do not see a hard economic landing as the top risk to markets, and they expect Federal Reserve interest rate cuts to begin before July. While some Wall Street strategists share this bullish outlook, others express caution, citing concerns about a sputtering economy and an exhausted consumer. Overall, the median forecast suggests a modest 4% gain from current levels, below the average annual increase in a positive market year.
Uber shares surged to a more than two-year high after S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that the company will join the S&P 500 Index later this month. The inclusion in the index is expected to provide stability and support for Uber's stock, as index funds and ETFs tracking the S&P 500 will need to buy shares of Uber. This move comes as part of the index's reconstitution, which will also see Jabil and Builders FirstSource joining the S&P 500.
Amazon.com Inc. stock fell 3.66% on Tuesday, underperforming the broader market as the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also experienced declines. The stock closed below its 52-week high and lagged behind competitors such as Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet. Trading volume remained below average.
Despite the Conference Board's leading economic index declining for 14 months, Yardeni Research suggests that the US is not headed towards a recession. The firm believes that the economy has been in a rolling recession, making an economy-wide recession less likely. Job openings remain high, and the S&P 500 Index has been rallying since last October. Investors are growing weary of waiting for a widely-anticipated recession that remains a no-show.
First Republic Bank's stock plunged 64% over the past two sessions after its earnings report showed a nosedive in deposits and raised further questions about its survival. Its market capitalization briefly fell below $1 billion, putting its membership in the S&P 500 Index in jeopardy. Companies must have a market cap of at least $12.7 billion to be considered for inclusion in the S&P 500. If First Republic were to be removed from the index, it could lead to additional selling pressure on the stock.