Federal Reserve, Tech Giants, and Global Markets: A Weekly Outlook

This week in business and finance, several key events are expected to take place. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve will meet to discuss potential policy easing in 2024. While rate action is unlikely, Fed futures markets now predict some easing, down from earlier expectations. The comments of Fed Chair Jerome Powell on this matter will be closely watched by investors.

In addition to the Federal Reserve meeting, two of the “Magnificent Seven” megacaps, Amazon and Apple, will be reporting their results this week. While Amazon’s shares have performed well so far this year, rising 18%, Apple’s shares have lost some momentum, falling over 10% in 2024. Other tech giants like Tesla and Meta Platforms have also shown mixed performance.

China’s PMI index and the Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing PMI survey are also expected to be released this week. Positive data could provide relief to policymakers working to boost growth in China while global investment houses have become more bullish on Chinese stocks. However, Beijing is facing challenges with its currency as the yuan has been sliding against the dollar in recent times.

Furthermore, Euro zone inflation and economic growth data will be released on Tuesday which may potentially lead to speculation about the European Central Bank lowering its deposit rate in June. Economists expect euro zone GDP to have expanded by just 0.1% in the first quarter year-on-year. Policymakers are not expected to make rapid moves after the potential rate cut.