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Stock markets down ahead of US inflation data

Markets are bracing for the release of US inflation data, which could influence the Federal Reserve's (Fed) interest rate decision next week. The market expects core Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November will not exceed 0.3%, a level unlikely to disrupt current market expectations for a rate cut next week. In the run-up to the CPI release, equity markets around the globe were trading lower.

Date
Auteur
Shane Strowmatt, LGT
Temps de lecture
5 minutes

Negative market data
© Shutterstock

US stock indices fell on Tuesday, extending losses from the start of the week as investors awaited Wednesday's inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.4% to 44,247.83 points, the Nasdaq 100 declined 0.3% to 21,368.18 points, and the S&P 500 decreased 0.3% to 6,034.91 points. Oracle shares fell 6.7% following a disappointing quarterly report.

Alphabet shares jump on quantum chip breakthrough

Alphabet shares surged 5.6% on Tuesday after Google introduced its latest quantum computing chip, "Willow". The chip, which boasts about 100 qubits, significantly outperformed its 2019 predecessor in benchmark tests. Google aims to eventually develop a system with one million qubits, enhancing applications in drug discovery, energy, and more.

Asian stocks follow Wall Street down

Stocks in the Asia-Pacific region showed mostly weak performance on Wednesday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 was trading slightly higher, up 0.1%, after wholesale inflation rate rose to 3.7% year on year in November, surpassing the 3.4% expected and the revised 3.6% increase in October. This stronger than expected inflation could bolster the case for the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates at its meeting next week. Korea’s Kospi surged 1%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.5%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.4%. Mainland China’s CSI 300 was trading 0.2% lower.

German inflation rises

Germany's inflation rate increased to 2.2% in November 2024, up from 2% in October, driven by higher service prices, according to data released on Tuesday. Energy prices continued to decline, moderating the inflation rate, but less so than in previous months. The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose by 2.4% year on year and fell by 0.7% month on month. Notably, core inflation, excluding food and energy, stood at 3%, indicating significant price rises in other sectors.

European stock indices ended Tuesday in negative territory. The Euro Stoxx 50 decreased by 0.7%, while Germany’s DAX posted a marginal loss of 0.1%. France’s CAC 40 saw a sharper decline, falling 1.1%, and the Swiss Market Index dropped 1%.

Corporate and economic calendar

Economic data in focus: US Consumer Price Index (14:30), Bank of Canada interest rate decision (15:45).

Corporate news in focus: Quarterly figures from Adobe and Inditex.

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Publisher: LGT Bank (Switzerland) Ltd., Glärnischstrasse 36, CH-8027 Zurich
Editor: Alessandro Fezzi
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