Futures

Stock market today: S&P 500, Nasdaq futures hold steady amid more inflation cooldown

Stocks Steady Amid Cooling Inflation and Rising Jobless Claims

U.S. stocks remained relatively unchanged on Thursday as investors analyzed the latest inflation and labor market data, which could provide insights into the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision.

Navigating the Shifting Economic Landscape

Inflation Pressures Ease, but Jobless Claims Climb

The August Producer Price Index (PPI) showed that wholesale prices rose 0.2% month-over-month, slightly above economists' expectations. However, the annualized increase of 1.7% was in line with forecasts, and July's reading was revised downward, indicating that inflationary pressures may be cooling. Meanwhile, initial jobless claims climbed more than expected to 230,000 last week, an increase of 2,000 from the prior period, suggesting a potential softening in the labor market.These data points are closely watched by investors as the Federal Reserve prepares to meet next week to determine the next steps in its monetary policy. The markets have been anticipating a rate cut, but the magnitude of the cut remains uncertain.

Stocks Tread Cautiously Ahead of Fed Decision

The S&P 500 (^GSPC) and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) were little changed on Thursday, coming off sharp closing gains fueled by a tech rally in the previous session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) also dipped slightly as investors digested the latest economic data.Traders' odds of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed edged up to 87% after the reports, compared with 50% just days ago. This shift in expectations reflects the market's growing belief that the central bank may opt for a more modest rate reduction, rather than the more aggressive 0.5% cut that was previously anticipated.

Moderna Shares Plummet on Revised Outlook

In corporate news, Moderna (MRNA) shares plummeted 17% after the biotech giant lowered its annual revenue outlook for 2025. The company also announced plans to slash its annual R&D budget by roughly $1.1 billion by 2027, a move that raised concerns among investors about the company's long-term growth prospects.The mixed economic data and the uncertainty surrounding the Fed's policy decision have created a cautious atmosphere in the market, as investors navigate the shifting economic landscape. While the cooling inflation data may provide some relief, the rise in jobless claims has tempered expectations, leading to a more measured approach from market participants.

Wall Street Shrugs Off Inflation Concerns as Tech Stocks Surge

Wall Street indexes largely shrugged off strong readings on consumer and producer inflation this week, with a rally in technology stocks, driven by renewed optimism over artificial intelligence, also contributing to the gains. Despite political uncertainty following a heated presidential debate, U.S. stocks rose, with S&P 500 Futures, Nasdaq 100 Futures, and Dow Jones Futures all posting positive movements.

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Monetary Policy

The Fed's Balancing Act: Cutting Rates or Holding Steady?

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut interest rates when it meets next week, although investors are split over the magnitude of the cut. While sticky inflation data released this week has shifted expectations towards a 25-basis-point cut, some soft labor market data has seen bets on a 50-basis-point cut come back into play. Traders were seen pricing in a 58% chance for a 25-basis-point cut and a 42% chance of a 50-basis-point cut, according to CME Fedwatch.The upcoming decision is likely to mark the beginning of an easing cycle for the Fed, with the central bank expected to cut rates by at least 100 basis points this year. However, investors are now seeking more concrete cues on this front, as while Fed officials have signaled potential rate reductions, they have not provided any clear guidance on the scale of any planned cuts.

The Impact of Lower Rates on Risk Appetite and Asset Prices

The prospect of lower interest rates has kept some risk appetite in play, with the dollar and Treasury yields retreating. This has provided a supportive environment for Wall Street indexes, which have been buoyed by the gains in technology stocks.The rally in tech stocks has been driven by strong earnings and guidance from companies like Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL), as well as positive signals on demand from NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA). This has reignited optimism over the potential of artificial intelligence, with investors seeing it as a key driver of future growth in the sector.

Bargain Hunting in the Tech Sector

An element of bargain buying has also aided the tech sector, after it was heavily sold off over the past month. Investors have been drawn to the attractive valuations and the potential for long-term growth in the industry, particularly in the wake of the recent AI-driven rally.The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to 5,595.8 points, while the NASDAQ Composite rose 1% to 17,59.68 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6% to 41,096.77 points, as Wall Street indexes recovered from heavy losses logged last week, although they were still trading well below record highs hit earlier in the year.

Political Uncertainty Overshadowed by Technological Advancements

Despite the political uncertainty following a heated presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, where analysts saw Harris gaining an edge over the Republican candidate, U.S. stocks managed to rise. This suggests that investors were more focused on the potential of technological advancements, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, than on the political landscape.The resilience of the market in the face of political turmoil underscores the growing importance of technological innovation as a key driver of investor sentiment and market performance. As the race for AI dominance heats up, Wall Street appears to be placing its bets on the companies and sectors that are poised to capitalize on this emerging trend.

Seahawks Soar into a New Era: Navigating the Odds and Expectations

The Pacific Northwest is abuzz with the changing of the guard for the Seattle Seahawks. After a decade under the leadership of Pete Carroll, the team has ushered in a new era with first-year head coach Mike Macdonald at the helm. As the Seahawks embark on this new chapter, their futures odds have seen a notable shift, offering intriguing opportunities for sports bettors and fans alike.

Seahawks Futures: Betting on the Unexpected

Playoff Prospects: Defying the Odds

The Seahawks' odds to make the playoffs have been a topic of keen interest, with sportsbooks offering a near-even split between "Yes" and "No" options. Despite the team's recent playoff appearances, the odds suggest a toss-up scenario, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding their performance in the upcoming season. However, with a young and promising coach in Macdonald, the Seahawks possess the potential to defy expectations and secure a postseason berth.

Conquering the NFC West: A Formidable Challenge

Winning the NFC West division will be a significant challenge for the Seahawks, as they face stiff competition from the reigning champion San Francisco 49ers and the perennial powerhouse Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks' odds to claim the division title range from +460 to +500, indicating the uphill battle they face. While the 49ers have emerged as the favorites, the Seahawks' ability to close the gap and assert their dominance in the division will be a crucial factor in their overall success.

Super Bowl Aspirations: A Tempting Longshot

For those seeking a high-risk, high-reward opportunity, the Seahawks' Super Bowl odds present an intriguing proposition. With odds ranging from +4000 to +6600, the team is considered a longshot to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season. While it may seem like a far-fetched dream, sports bettors who believe in the Seahawks' potential could reap substantial rewards if they defy the odds and emerge victorious.

Navigating the Odds: The Importance of Shopping Around

When it comes to futures betting, the importance of shopping around for the best odds cannot be overstated. The Seahawks' Super Bowl odds, for instance, vary significantly across different sportsbooks, with a difference of over 60% between the lowest and highest odds. By taking the time to compare odds and find the most favorable prices, bettors can maximize their potential returns and capitalize on the Seahawks' long-shot status.

Playoff Potential: A Realistic Opportunity

While the Seahawks' path to the Super Bowl may be a daunting one, their odds to make the playoffs present a more realistic opportunity for success. With the team having qualified for the postseason in four of the last six seasons, the Seahawks have consistently demonstrated their ability to be in the mix for a playoff berth. With a young and promising coach in Macdonald, the Seahawks' defensive improvements could be the key to securing a spot in the playoffs and potentially making a deep run.As the Seahawks embark on this new era, their futures odds offer a tantalizing mix of high-risk, high-reward opportunities and more realistic pathways to success. Whether it's betting on their playoff chances, their division title aspirations, or their long-shot Super Bowl dreams, sports bettors and fans alike will be closely watching the Seahawks' journey unfold, eager to see if they can defy the odds and write a new chapter in their storied franchise history.