The consequences of high inflation are felt across the financial market. Specifically, the main Wall Street indices reacted to this news with a decrease after the publication of data indicating a higher than expected rise in consumer prices. This event pressured the expectations regarding the imminent lowering of interest rates, which in turn led to an increase in the yield of US Treasury bonds.
Among other things, the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded its most significant drop in almost 11 months after the US Department of Labor's report showed an unexpected increase in consumer prices in January, especially due to the rise in housing costs.
Against this backdrop, market indices, which were on the rise in anticipation that the Federal Reserve System (FRS) would begin to lower rates as early as May, showed negative dynamics. The S&P 500 index, for example, closed above the 5000 point mark for the first time, and the Dow Jones index traded near record-high values. However, the publication of inflation data revised expectations regarding the FRS's policy, increasing the likelihood that rate cuts may not occur until June.
Mega-cap companies sensitive to rates, such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon.com, and Meta Platforms, showed a decrease in stock prices amid the rise in yields of US Treasury bonds to a two-month high. A similar situation was observed among chip manufacturers, including Micron Technology, Qualcomm, and Broadcom, which led to a 2% drop in the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index.
The real estate, consumer discretionary, and utilities sectors faced the most significant losses among the 11 major industry indices of the S&P 500, especially real estate, which reached its lowest values in more than two months.
Small-cap companies also felt the pressure, with the Russell 2000 index showing the most significant daily drop since June 2022.
"Various statements by Federal Reserve System officials in recent weeks have indicated that the market-anticipated rate cuts in the first half of the year might have been premature. The latest consumer price index data certainly confirms this trend," commented Bob Elliott from Unlimited Funds.
The consumer inflation data followed a modest revision of inflation figures for the last quarter of 2023, giving investors temporary relief regarding inflation expectations.
The Cboe Volatility Index reached its highest level since November, highlighting the growing market concern. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indices lost 1.37% and 1.79% respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 1.36%, marking its most significant decline since March 2023.
Among other developments, JetBlue Airways shares surged by 21.6% after Carl Icahn disclosed his stake in the company, calling the shares "undervalued." Arista Networks' shares declined by 5.5% following a gross profit forecast below expectations, and Marriott International lost value after forecasting annual earnings below analyst expectations.
Cadence Design Systems and toy manufacturer Hasbro also faced a drop in share value after publishing gloomy forecasts. Meanwhile, Tripadvisor shares jumped by 13.8% following the announcement of the creation of a special committee to review deal proposals.
The total trading volume on US exchanges reached 12.9 billion shares, comparable to the average of the last 20 sessions at 11.71 billion shares.
The US stock market continues to demonstrate record levels, supported by leading technology companies and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. The global stock index MSCI and the Stoxx 600 European index also showed a decline amid current events.
The dollar index reached a three-month high, and bitcoin set a new record since December 2021, despite subsequent declines.
Data on US retail sales and the producer price report are expected shortly, which may further influence market sentiments.
The rise in oil prices continues amid tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, with Brent crude futures and West Texas Intermediate showing significant increases. Meanwhile, gold prices fell below the key level of $2000 per ounce after the CPI data was released, reaching a two-month low.