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To maintain the correspondence between the composition and weights of the securities in the trust (the securities) and the stocks in the NASDAQ-100 Index, the adviser adjusts the securities from time to time to conform to periodic changes in the identity and/or relative weights of index securities. The composition and weighting of the securities portion of a portfolio deposit are also adjusted to conform to changes in the index.

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SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

Friday was a lackluster session on Wall Street, with major U.S. averages lingering in negative territory at midday trading in New York.

Wall Street Falls On Triple Witching Day, Fed&#39;s Waller Pushes Gold To Fresh Record Highs, FedEx Plummets: What&#39;s Driving Markets Friday?

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$5 Trillion Worth Of Quad Witching, AI Leading To Revivial Of Nuclear Power

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The market mood appears to have soured as the index futures slid early Friday, which is expected to be volatile due to the triple witching phenomena.

Wall Street Looks To Pause After S&amp;P&#39;s Record Performance As Fed Rate-Cut Euphoria Fades And Hard-Landing Fears Surface

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Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF

Friday was a lackluster session on Wall Street, with major U.S. averages lingering in negative territory at midday trading in New York. This session coincided with the simultaneous expiration of a large volume of options and futures contracts, commonly referred <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40959748/exclusive-options-expert-warns-of-terrible-week-after-fridays-triple-witching">to as &#8220;triple witching.&#8221;</a>
However, rather than a sharp spike in volatility, stocks edged only slightly lower, failing to trigger a rise in the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX).
Investor sentiment remained defensive, with 10 out of 11 sectors of the S&amp;P 500 falling, while utilities were the only sector to post a positive performance.
Dovish remarks from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller indicated that he expects &#8220;very low&#8221; August Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) data. 
Waller also hinted at the possibility of a 25 basis point rate cut in the next meeting or two if the data continues to come in as expected, with a stronger size of cut if the labor market weakens and inflation softens more rapidly.
Waller's comments sent gold surging past $2,600 per ounce, marking new all-time highs.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) remained stable at $63,000.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>Chg (1-day %)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>42,015.17</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,700.41</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>19,771.36</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,237.55</td>
<td> -0.7%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:30 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent092024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro </a>data: 
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;was 0.5% lower to $567.92.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;edged 0.2% down to $420.43.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust Series (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) fell 0.3% to $481.96.</li>
<li>The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) fell 0.7% to $222.50.</li>
<li>The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) outperformed, up 2.1%. The Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLI#NYSE">XLI</a>) lagged, down 0.7%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li>FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) tumbled 13.6% on dismal quarterly earnings. </li>
<li>Lennar Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>) also reacted to earnings, falling over 4%. </li>
<li>Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) rose over 6%, following the company&#8217;s appointment of Elliot Hill as the new CEO.</li>
</ul>
Read Now:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/09/40960886/palantir-dell-to-join-s-p-500-friday-heres-how-tesla-stock-has-performed-since-its-add">Palantir, Dell To Join S&amp;P 500 Friday: Here&#8217;s How Tesla Stock Has Performed Since Its Addition In 2020</a></li>
</ul>
Wall Street illustration created using artificial intelligence via MidJourney.

Wall Street Falls On Triple Witching Day, Fed's Waller Pushes Gold To Fresh Record Highs, FedEx Plummets: What's Driving Markets Friday?

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-09-20_08h35_26-1.png" alt="" /></figure>
To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear Power Revival</h3>
Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/chart-analysis-stock-market-quad-witching-nuclear-power-revival-ceg-mc-09202024">click here</a> for an enlarged chart of Constellation Energy Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEG#NASDAQ">CEG</a>).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>This article is about the big picture, not an individual stock.&nbsp; The chart of CEG is being used to illustrate the point.</li>
<li>To feed the power hungry AI data centers, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) is signing a power purchase agreement with CEG.</li>
<li>The chart shows the gap up on CEG news.</li>
<li>The chart shows that CEG is in the resistance zone.</li>
<li>RSI on the chart shows that CEG is very overbought.&nbsp; An overbought stock tends to pullback.</li>
<li>Based on the quantitative screen of The Arora Report's ZYX Change Method, CEG is way overvalued at this time.&nbsp; However, CEG will benefit from AI, and as such, it is on our radar to give a signal when it is appropriate.</li>
<li>To provide the power, CEG will restart Three Mile Island Unit 1.&nbsp; This reactor was shut down about five years ago due to economic reasons.&nbsp; Three Mile Island Unit 2 is famous for a partial melt down, which caused the most serious nuclear accident on U.S. soil.&nbsp; In addition to CEG, there are opportunities in other energy producers that will help meet the massive power demand for AI.
<ul>
<li>Quanta Services Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PWR#NYSE">PWR</a>) is a contractor to electric utilities and is benefiting from the AI power demand.&nbsp; As full disclosure, PWR is in The Arora Report&#8217;s ZYX Buy Core Model Portfolio. PWR is long from $37.&nbsp; </li>
<li>First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>), which provides solar power to data centers. As full disclosure, FSLR is in The Arora Report&#8217;s ZYX Buy Core Model Portfolio.</li>
<li>A new name that is on The Arora Report&#8217;s radar is Vistra Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VST#NYSE">VST</a>). As full disclosure, a signal may be given when appropriate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>We shared with readers yesterday that quad witching was to the upside.
<ul>
<li>A part of the strength in the stock market yesterday was due to quad witching and not due to the Fed's 50 bps interest rate cut.</li>
<li>About $5 trillion notional value of stock derivatives are expiring today.&nbsp; This is a huge amount but not a record.</li>
<li>This morning, expiring futures are exerting downward pressure on the market after yesterday's runup.&nbsp; Futures are expiring this morning.</li>
<li>Options will expire in the afternoon.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Historically, gains due to quad witching tend to reverse in the following week and sometimes even on the expiration day.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Japan</h3>
In a relief to U.S. stock investors, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) left interest rates unchanged.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h3>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in Alphabet Inc Class C (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are neutral in Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and MSFT.
In the early trade, money flows are negative in NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are negative in SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h4>
Investors can gain an edge by knowing money flows in SPY and QQQ.  Investors can get a bigger edge by knowing when smart money is buying stocks, gold, and oil.  The most popular ETF for gold is SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>).  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLV#NYSE">SLV</a>).  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h3>
Trump's advocacy continues to bring buying into Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>). Here is the key question: Will bitcoin whales take advantage of the strength to sell as is their pattern?
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h3>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.
Consider continuing to hold good, very long term, existing positions. Based on individual risk preference, consider a protection band consisting of cash or Treasury bills or short-term tactical trades as well as short to medium term hedges and short term hedges. This is a good way to protect yourself and participate in the upside at the same time.
You can determine your protection bands by adding cash to hedges.&nbsp; The high band of the protection is appropriate for those who are older or conservative. The low band of the protection is appropriate for those who are younger or aggressive.&nbsp; If you do not hedge, the total cash level should be more than stated above but significantly less than cash plus hedges.
A protection band of 0% would be very bullish and would indicate full investment with 0% in cash.&nbsp; A protection band of 100% would be very bearish and would indicate a need for aggressive protection with cash and hedges or aggressive short selling.
It is worth reminding that you cannot take advantage of new upcoming opportunities if you are not holding enough cash.&nbsp; When adjusting hedge levels, consider adjusting partial stop quantities for stock positions (non ETF); consider using wider stops on remaining quantities and also allowing more room for high beta stocks.&nbsp; High beta stocks are the ones that move more than the market.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h3>
Probability based risk reward adjusted for inflation does not favor long duration strategic bond allocation at this time.
Those who want to stick to traditional 60% allocation to stocks and 40% to bonds may consider focusing on only high quality bonds and bonds of five year duration or less.&nbsp; Those willing to bring sophistication to their investing may consider using bond ETFs as tactical positions and not strategic positions at this time.
The Arora Report is known for its accurate calls. The Arora Report correctly called the big artificial intelligence rally before anyone else, the new bull market of 2023, the bear market of 2022, new stock market highs right after the virus low in 2020, the virus drop in 2020, the DJIA rally to 30,000 when it was trading at 16,000, the start of a mega bull market in 2009, and the financial crash of 2008. Please click here to sign up for a free forever <a href="https://thearorareport.com/generate-wealth-newsletter-benzinga">Generate Wealth Newsletter</a>.

WIIM

Major indexes are trading lower following recent strength. Worse-than-expected Q1 financial results and weak guidance from FedEx may have also weighed on stocks.

<ul>
<li>NVDA</li>
<li>LUNR</li>
<li>MADE</li>
<li>WAY</li>
<li>TSLA</li>
<li>DJT</li>
<li>FDX</li>
<li>LOT</li>
<li>QQQ</li>
<li>AAPL</li>
</ul>
Data from <a href="https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment">https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment</a>
&nbsp;

LUNR

MADE

Top 10 Trending Stocks On WallStreetBets As Of September 20, 2024 (Via Swaggy Stocks)

The market mood appears to have soured as the index futures slid early Friday, which is expected to be volatile due to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40948624/traders-brace-for-friday-volatility-as-over-5-trillion-in-options-expire-could-trip">triple witching phenomena. </a> There could be a lack of incentive to buy for want of any major Main Street catalysts, as some economists have begun flashing the danger of a hard landing. Negative reaction to earnings released late Thursday may also serve as a dampener
Triple-witching refers to the simultaneous expiration of stock options, index options and index futures contracts, and the session is marked by increased volume and high volatility. This quarterly event will see some $5.1 trillion worth of options tied to individual stocks, indexes and exchange-traded funds fall off the board, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-19/wall-street-s-5-1-trillion-triple-witching-is-next-market-test">reported,</a> citing data analytics firm Asym 500.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>-0.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>-0.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow</td>
<td>-0.03%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>R2K</td>
<td>-0.31%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
In premarket trading on Friday,&nbsp;the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) fell 0.18% to $568.21 and the&nbsp;Invesco QQQ ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) slipped 0.31% to $481.86, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Cues From Last Session:
Pent-up buying perked up on Wall Street on Thursday, as risky bets rallied across the board, led by tech stocks, following the Fed&#8217;s first rate cut in about 4-1/2 years. Traders also drew comfort from a few positive economic data, including an unexpected drop in weekly jobless claims, the Philadelphia regional manufacturing activity unexpectedly turning to expansion territory and a smaller-than-expected drop in Conference Board&#8217;s leading economic index.
The S&amp;P 500 Information Technology Index ended the day up 3.08%, while consumer discretionary and communication technology stocks also rose sharply. On the other hand, safe-haven consumer staples, utility and real-estate stocks pulled back modestly.
The major averages gap opened higher and moved roughly sideways before ending the session notably higher. The Nasdaq Composite Index ended at its highest level since July 16 and the S&amp;P 500 Index ended at a fresh high and in the process scaled a new intraday high.
The 30-stock Dow Jones Industrial Average also hit new intraday and closing highs, as it went past the psychological resistance of 42,000 for the first time.
Making sense of Thursday&#8217;s market rally, Jamie Cox, Managing Partner at Harris Financial Group, said, &#8220;Markets like rate cuts, especially big ones when the economy is strong.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td>+2.51%</td>
<td>18,013.98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500 Index</td>
<td>+1.70%</td>
<td>5,713.64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Industrials</td>
<td>+1.26%</td>
<td>42,025.19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>+2.10%</td>
<td>2,252.71</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Insights From Analysts:
Fund manager Louis Navellier said the economic risk is mitigated with the Fed rate cut and a new dot plot, which suggests more cuts could be in the offing this year. The housing sector also seems to be firming up, he said. Much of the economic uncertainty has been eliminated and so all investors have left to stress about is political uncertainty, he added.
Chief Global Strategist of BCA Research Peter Berezin said the 50 basis-point cut and another 50 bps reduction the central bank is penciling in before the year-end may not ensure a soft landing.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The Fed cut rates by 50 bps today and penciled in another 50 bps of cuts by yearend. Will that ensure a soft landing? I have my doubts. The Fed lowered rates by a cumulative 100 bps from January 2001 to March 2001, and the recession started one month later. Likewise, the Fed… <a href="https://t.co/YC1TKjVBcf">pic.twitter.com/YC1TKjVBcf</a>
&mdash; Peter Berezin (@PeterBerezinBCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterBerezinBCA/status/1836541172136739273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The economist noted that the Fed lowered rates by a cumulative 100 bps from Jan. to March 2001 and a recession started a month later, and the central bank implemented a cut of similar magnitude between Sept. 2007 &#8211; Dec. 2007 only for the Great Recession to begin in Jan. 2008.
Investors may be hoping for a repeat of the 1994-95 episode, when Fed easing paved the way for an economic boom, the economist said. There are at least three differences between then and now, he said. In 1994-95, the tightening was fairly mild, merely a cumulative 300 bps between Feb. 1994 and Feb. 1995, as opposed to the 525 bps increase this time around, he said. Also, unlike then, the unemployment rate is rising now, he added.
The second half of the 1990s saw a &#8220;massive disinflationary capex boom&#8221; coupled with rapid productivity growth but nothing comparable is evident in the data so far, Berezin said.
Upcoming Economic Data:
<ul>
<li>Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker, who is a member of the rate-setting committee, is scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. EDT.</li>
</ul>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-trade-futures">How To Trade Futures</a>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) shares fell over 13% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket">in premarket trading</a> following the company&#8217;s first-quarter earnings miss. Lennar Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>) slipped over 2.5% after earnings.</li>
<li>NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) rose over 6.5% after the company announced John Donahoe will retire as CEO, effective Oct. 13, and Elliott Hill, a former Nike executive who retired in 2020, will return to take over from Donahoe.</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Bonds And Global Equity Markets:
Crude oil futures slipped after Thursday&#8217;s strong rally that took it past the $71-a-barrel level. Gold futures were in record territory despite the dollar coming back up. The 10-year U.S. Treasury note slid 2.5 points to 3.715%. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) has extended its rally, rising nearly 2% over the past 24 hours. The apex crypto, which topped $64K intraday, has eased off the day&#8217;s high and traded a little shy of the $63.5K mark.
Most major Asian markets advanced, with the exception of the Indonesian, New Zealand and Singaporean markets, while European stocks pulled back sharply in early trading after Thursday&#8217;s strong gains. 
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40944024/exclusive-fed-in-pro-growth-mode-will-drive-small-cap-performance-lazard-expert-say">EXCLUSIVE: Fed In &#8216;Pro-Growth Mode&#8217; Will Drive Small Cap Performance, Lazard Expert Says</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock

Wall Street Looks To Pause After S&P's Record Performance As Fed Rate-Cut Euphoria Fades And Hard-Landing Fears Surface

After a bullish session on Thursday, with both the S&amp;P 500 and the Dow Jones hitting record highs, spurred by increased risk appetite following a bold 0.5% rate cut by the Federal Reserve, traders are gearing up for a volatile <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40944143/wall-street-breaks-records-chipmakers-rally-tesla-hits-2-month-high-as-fed-cut-drives-risk">end to the week.</a>
Friday marks a notorious &#8220;Triple Witching&#8221; day, when stock index futures, stock index options and individual stock options expire simultaneously — a convergence that historically stirs market turbulence.
Goldman Sachs estimates than more than $4.5 trillion in notional options exposure will expire on Friday, including $605 billion in single-stock options. 
According to Bloomberg, using estimates from derivatives analytical firm Asym 500, the overall notional options expiring Friday reach $5.1 trillion when including options tied to ETFs.
&#8220;This Friday will be the largest September-options expiration on record, driven by elevated index and ETF options volumes,&#8221; wrote Goldman Sachs analyst John Marshall. 
While the September expiration will set a new record, it&#8217;s expected to be smaller than the previous quarterly expirations of 2024.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Record-Breaking Expiration Day</h3>
Goldman Sachs highlighted that average daily index and ETF options volumes have reached a new high this quarter. In contrast, single-stock options trading has seen a decline. 
The sheer magnitude of options expiring Friday could trigger a wave of volatility as traders scramble to adjust their position, and the Federal Reserve&#8217;s recent rate cut might not be enough to temper the storm.
Could this triple witching day spoil the market rally ignited by the Fed?
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Is &#8216;Triple Witching&#8217;? How Did Markets Previously Perform? </h3>
Triple witching refers to the simultaneous expiration of three types of derivative contracts — stock index futures, stock index options and single-stock options — on the same day, occurring quarterly on the third Friday of March, June, September and December.
This convergence can lead to heightened market volatility as traders close, roll over or offset their expiring contracts, often resulting in unusual price movements and increased trading volumes.
Looking back at the last three triple witching events, the S&amp;P 500, tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), has struggled during these high-stakes trading days.
<ul>
<li>June 21, 2024: The S&amp;P 500 dropped 0.5%.</li>
<li>March 15, 2024: The index fell by 1%.</li>
<li>Dec. 15, 2023: The S&amp;P 500 declined 0.6%.</li>
</ul>
Tech stocks, represented by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), underperformed in the last two triple witching occasions, falling 0.8% in June and 1.2% in March, while surging 0.5% in December 2023. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Goldman Sachs Recommends VIX Calls Ahead of Volatility Spike</h3>
September is historically the worst month for stock market performance.
According to Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at Carson Group, the last two weeks of September are the worst period for stocks during the year, as the expert showed in a post on social media platform X.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">You are here. The worst two weeks of the year for stocks. <a href="https://t.co/kXDg0lXKOX">pic.twitter.com/kXDg0lXKOX</a>
&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1835859506221461664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as the market&#8217;s fear gauge, has dropped significantly since its spike in August.
The index is sitting at 17, well below its multiyear average, and Goldman Sachs sees the VIX on the rise as we enter the seasonally volatile period.
Goldman Sachs&#8217; economic model estimates that, given macroeconomic conditions, the VIX should be at 24.5, suggesting the current low volatility may not last much longer.
The investment bank issued a recommendation for investors to hedge their portfolios using VIX calls. Specifically, Goldman Sachs analysts advise buying CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) November calls at a strike price of 18.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/09/40942814/boeing-braces-for-turbulence-as-strikes-furloughs-send-stock-sliding-bearish-signals-pre">Boeing Braces For Turbulence As Strikes, Furloughs Send Stock Sliding, Bearish Signals Prevail</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Analyst Color

Options

Tech

Traders Brace For Friday Volatility As Over $5 Trillion In Options Expire: Could 'Triple Witching' Spoil Fed's Rally?

Wall Street is in full risk-on mode following the Federal Reserve&#8217;s landmark decision to slash interest rates by 50 basis points, signaling further cuts as inflation approaches <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40938732/wall-street-ramps-up-interest-rate-cut-bets-after-fed-meeting-the-hard-landing-crow">the central bank&#8217;s target.</a>
The S&amp;P 500 and Dow Jones both set fresh record highs during the morning session in New York, buoyed by strong performances from the Magnificent Seven tech giants.
By midday, these elite tech stocks added over $500 billion in market value, boosting their combined market capitalization to $15.9 trillion.
Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) led the rally, surging nearly 7% and hitting a two-month peak, while NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) climbed 5%, driving the semiconductor sector higher.
The iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) jumped 4.6%, fully erasing its losses from September.
The Nasdaq 100 rose 2.9%, on pace for its strongest session in over a month and outperforming other major indices. Small caps joined the rally, with the Russell 2000 index surging 2%.
Commodities rallied across the board: Gold, silver, and copper increased by 1.2%, 3.8%, and 1.8%, respectively. Oil prices, tracked by the United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>), spiked over 3%.
The bullish sentiment extended to cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) rising over 2%, poised to close at its highest level since late August.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices </td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>19,905.70</td>
<td>2.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,249.90</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,720.74</td>
<td>1.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>42,002.90</td>
<td>1.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:25 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent091924&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a> data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;was 1.8% higher to $571.52.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;rose 1.2% to $421.23.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust Series (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) rallied 2.8% to $484.99.</li>
<li>The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) rose 1.9% to $223.63.</li>
<li>The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) outperformed, up 0.2%. The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) lagged, down 0.9%.</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h1>
<ul>
<li>Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) soared 9%, in response to its quarterly earnings and bullish outlook for upcoming quarters. </li>
<li>Also reacting to earnings reports was FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>) up 5%.</li>
<li>Companies expected to report earnings after the close include FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) and Lennar Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>).</li>
</ul>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40937291/bank-stocks-hit-inflection-point-after-feds-50-basis-point-cut-analyst-reveal-top-p">• Bank Stocks Hit Inflection Point After Fed&#8217;s 50 Basis Point Cut, Analyst Reveals Top Picks</a> Images was created using artificial intelligence DALL-E

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Intraday Update

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

Wall Street Breaks Records, Chipmakers Rally, Tesla Hits 2-Month High As Fed Cut Drives Risk-On Mode: What's Driving Markets Thursday?

Major indexes are higher following the Fed's Wednesday rate cut.

Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) shares are trading higher by 4.63% to $194.75 during Thursday&#8217;s session. Shares of semiconductor and chip stocks are trading higher following Wednesday&#8217;s rate cut, which has lifted growth stocks and rate-sensitive sectors such as tech.
Wall Street analysts also raised expectations for more rate cuts after the Federal Open Market Committee slashed rates by <a href="http://Wall Street analysts are raising expectations for more rate cuts after the Federal Open Market Committee slashed rates by 50 basis points on Wednesday.">50 basis points</a>.
Why This Matters: Applied Materials is a key supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which makes it highly sensitive to changes in capital spending by chipmakers. Interest rate cuts directly impact the cost of borrowing for these manufacturers, making it cheaper to finance large projects like building new semiconductor fabs or upgrading existing facilities. 
This is significant because Applied Materials&#8217; revenue relies on selling expensive and specialized equipment for these facilities. When rates fall, companies like Intel, TSMC and Samsung are more likely to increase their capital expenditures on such projects, which directly boosts Applied Materials' sales.
The semiconductor industry also operates on rapid innovation cycles, driven by the need to create smaller, faster, and more efficient chips. Lower interest rates reduce the cost of financing research and development in both Applied Materials&#8217; customers and the company itself. 
This makes it easier for semiconductor companies to fund investments in advanced equipment necessary to produce cutting-edge technologies, which further drives demand for Applied's tools.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40941053/s-p-500-dow-jones-hit-record-highs-magnificent-7-add-400-billion-after-feds-histori">S&amp;P 500, Dow Jones Hit Record Highs: Magnificent 7 Add $400 Billion After Fed&#8217;s Historic Interest Rate Cut</a>
What Else: Growth companies, particularly those tied to long-term innovation like Applied Materials, tend to see their stock prices rise when interest rates fall. This is because lower rates increase the present value of their future earnings, making them more attractive to investors. 
With the cost of borrowing lower, both tech companies and their customers are more likely to invest in future growth, benefiting suppliers like Applied Materials.
Lower rates also stimulate broader economic activity by encouraging consumers and businesses to spend more. As consumer demand for electronics, smartphones, and computers rises, the semiconductor industry must ramp up production to meet that demand. 
This, in turn, could lead to greater demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, giving Applied Materials a potential revenue boost.
Traders and investors can gain exposure to through the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NASDAQ">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40940715/apple-revenue-growth-just-too-slow-for-investors-to-get-excited-about-analyst-highl">Apple Revenue Growth &#8216;Just Too Slow For Investors To Get Excited About&#8217;: Analyst Highlights Advertising As Future Catalyst</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy AMAT Stock</h2>
By now you're likely curious about how to participate in the market for Applied Materials &#8211; be it to purchase shares, or even attempt to bet against the company.
Buying shares is typically done through a brokerage account. You can find a list of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-stock-trading-platforms">possible trading platforms here.</a> Many will allow you to buy ‘fractional shares,' which allows you to own portions of stock without buying an entire share. For example, some stock, like Berkshire Hathaway, or Amazon.com, can cost thousands of dollars to own just one share. However, if you only want to invest a fraction of that, brokerages will allow you to do so. 
In the the case of Applied Materials, which is trading at $194.43 as of publishing time, $100 would buy you 0.51 shares of stock.
If you're looking to bet against a company, the process is more complex. You'll need access to an options trading platform, or a broker who will allow you to ‘go short' a share of stock by lending you the shares to sell. The process of shorting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock">stock can be found at this resource.</a> Otherwise, if your broker allows you to trade options, you can either buy a put option, or sell a call option at a strike price above where shares are currently trading &#8211; either way it allows you to profit off of the share price decline.
According to data from&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>, AMAT has a 52-week high of $255.89 and a 52-week low of $129.21.

AMAT

Why Applied Materials (AMAT) Stock Is Rising

<ul>
<li>NVDA</li>
<li>WAY</li>
<li>LOT</li>
<li>QQQ</li>
<li>LUNR</li>
<li>MADE</li>
<li>GAP</li>
<li>DJT</li>
<li>META</li>
<li>AAPL</li>
</ul>
Data from <a href="https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment">https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment</a>
&nbsp;

Top 10 Trending Stocks On WallStreetBets As Of September 19, 2024 (Via Swaggy Stocks)

U.S. stocks look set for a relief rally after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40909187/s-p-500-briefly-hits-record-high-just-ahead-of-fed-rate-cut-extends-7-day-winning-streak-tuesday">market failed to sustain the upward momentum</a> set in motion by the 50 basis-point cut announced by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday. The index futures point to a sharply higher opening on Thursday. Given the central bank&#8217;s focus on labor market statistics, traders may closely monitor the weekly jobless claims data. The results of a regional manufacturing survey and the Conference Board&#8217;s leading economic index may also create some ripples in the market.
With the Fed decision on the back-burner, earnings could get back to the spotlight, with FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) due to report after the close. Tech and small-cap stocks remain poised to rally out of the gates even as most strategists warn of a tech rally cool-off. Volatility is on the wane amid the risk-on mood, with the CBOE Volatility Index, aka VIX, down about 9%.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>+1.99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>+1.53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow</td>
<td>+1.15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>R2K</td>
<td>+2.88%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
In premarket trading on Thursday,&nbsp;the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) jumped 1.55% to $570.08 and the&nbsp;Invesco QQQ ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) gained 2.00% to $480.96, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Cues From Last Session:
Wall Street closed Wednesday&#8217;s session modestly lower despite the Fed obliging with the magnitude of the cut the market was hoping for. The major indices resigned themselves to the pattern typical of a Fed decision day and moved sideways until the announcement was made. The central bank delivered and traders indulged in strong buying that took the S&amp;P 500 Index to a new intraday high. 
The dot plot suggested policymakers will likely cut rates a 25 basis points at each of the next two decisions and by at least another percentage point in 2025. While the growth outlook was left unchanged, the unemployment rate forecasts were revised. But Fed Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s cautious comments at the press conference spooked the market, sending stocks lower in late-afternoon trading.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td>-0.31%</td>
<td>17,573.30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500 Index</td>
<td>-0.29%</td>
<td>5,618.26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Industrials</td>
<td>-0.25%</td>
<td>41,503.10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>+0.04%</td>
<td>2,206.34</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Insights From Analysts:
It could be time for defensives and small-caps to shine, now that the rate-cutting cycle has begun and the door is open for more.
LPL Financial Chief Equity Strategist Jeff Buchbinder said in a note ahead of the rate cut that value stocks outperform their growth counterparts three and six months after the initial cut. The 1995 monetary policy is the most analogous to the current one, he said, adding that during the 12 months after the cut at that time, growth stocks were slightly better. But value stocks have an edge over the first six months, he said.
Defensive sectors typically outperform in the six months after the initial rate cuts, and this was particularly evident during the 1995 period that saw a soft landing and technology buildout, the strategist said. Specifically, the defense and the telecom services sector were top performers, while consumer staples and utilities also outperformed, he said. Financials did well in the 1995 cycle and performed in-line in the 2019 period, which is more comparable to the current situation than the 2001 cycle, he added.
Surprisingly, the technology sector underperformed the S&amp;P 500 after the 1995 rate cut, even though the internet buildout was in its early phases, Buchbinder said, referring to Netscape&#8217;s initial public offering which came after the first rate cut. Netscape is credited with creating the first internet browser.
&#8220;The takeaway here is that the technology sector, which as we know, is in a major buildout phase now with artificial intelligence, may not get a performance bump from a more accommodating Fed,&#8221; the strategist said.
Carson Group Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick pointed out a positive data point that bodes well for the market. In a post on X, he said the Fed has cut rates with stocks near all-time highs 20 times in the past. In all the instances, the S&amp;P 500 was higher a year later.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The Fed has cut rates with stocks near all-time highs 20 times. The S&amp;P 500 was higher a year later 20 times. S&amp;P 500 at all-time highs now and the Fed is cutting tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/MSHhII1Cu4">pic.twitter.com/MSHhII1Cu4</a>
&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1836069055070916634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-futures-trading-software">Best Futures Trading Software</a>
Upcoming Economic Data:
<ul>
<li>The Labor Department is scheduled to release its weekly jobless claims data for the recent reporting week at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The number of individuals claiming unemployment benefits may have edged down from to 229,000 in the week ended Sept. 14, down from 230,000 in the previous week.</li>
<li>The Philadelphia Fed will release the results of its September regional manufacturing survey at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The diffusion index of business activity, the headline reading of the report, is widely expected to show continued contraction, albeit at a slower rate. Economists, on average, expect the index to increase from -7.0 in August to -1.1 in September.</li>
<li>The National Association of Realtors is due to release its existing home sales report for August at 10 a.m. EDT. Existing home sales are expected to come in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.9 million units, almost flattish with the 3.95-million-unit rate in July.</li>
<li>The Conference Board&#8217;s leading economic index, due at 10 a.m. EDT, is expected to show a 0.3% month-over-month drop for August, smaller than the 0.6% drop in July.</li>
<li>The Treasury is set to auction four- and eight-week bills at 11:30 a.m. EDT and a 10-year TIPS auction at 1 p.m. EDT.</li>
</ul>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCS#NYSE">SCS</a>) shares fell nearly 8% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket">in premarket trading</a> following the company&#8217;s quarterly results.</li>
<li>Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBRL#NASDAQ">CBRL</a>), Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) and FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>) are among the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings">notable companies reporting their quarterly results ahead of the market open. </a></li>
<li>Those reporting after the close include FedEx and Lennar Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>).</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Bonds And Global Equity Markets:
Crude futures rose in the early U.S. session, extending the gain from the previous session, as the dollar continues to be weak against most currencies barring the yen. Gold futures also firmed up. The 10-year T-note yield rose 1.9 basis points to 3.706%.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) rallied strongly following the Fed decision, with the apex crypto now trading just shy of the $62.5K level.
The major Asian averages gained notably on Thursday, as they reacted to the Fed&#8217;s largesse, with Japan benefiting from the yen&#8217;s modest weakening against the greenback. European stocks were on a firmer footing in early Thursday, with traders in the region awaiting the Bank of England&#8217;s rate decision. The Monetary Policy Committee of the central bank is widely expected to keep rates unchanged at 5.25% although signaling reductions in the future.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40927293/powell-defends-0-5-interest-rate-drop-as-right-thing-for-the-economy-doubles-down">Powell Defends 0.5% Interest Rate Drop As &#8216;Right Thing For The Economy,&#8217; Doubles Down On Fed&#8217;s Cautious, Data-Driven Approach</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Pixabay

CBRL

Wall Street Primed For Relief Rally As Traders Eye Jobless Claims, FedEx Earnings After Fed's 50 Basis-Point Cut: Strategist Says These Stocks Will Gain Edge In First 6 Months Of Rate Cut

Amid the Federal Reserve&#8217;s recent decision to cut interest rates, CNBC&#8217;s Jim Cramer has weighed in on how these changes might affect the technology sector.
What Happened: Cramer discussed the Federal Reserve&#8217;s recent interest rate cuts and their implications for the technology sector on Wednesday. He believes these cuts do not significantly benefit tech stocks.
According to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/18/cramer-explains-what-the-feds-rate-cuts-mean-for-tech-stocks.html">CNBC</a> on Thursday, Cramer stated, &#8220;With a double-sized rate cut that everybody already expected, you aren&#8217;t going to see a huge run in tech.&#8221; 
He emphasized that the Fed&#8217;s actions are more beneficial to companies reliant on a healthy consumer base.
The Federal Reserve initiated its rate-cutting cycle by reducing rates by half a point and signaled an additional 50 basis points cut by year-end. This marks the first rate cut since the pandemic, aimed at addressing inflation and balancing economic risks.
Cramer highlighted his observations from Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>)&#8217;s annual conference in San Francisco, noting that tech companies, particularly those focused on AI, are less impacted by rate cuts. These companies cater to enterprises rather than consumers, distancing them from the labor market.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40919168/ethereum-co-founder-says-donald-trump-is-certainly-the-favorite-over-kamala-harris-for-cry?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ethereum Co-Founder Says Donald Trump Is &#8216;Certainly The Favorite&#8217; Over Kamala Harris For Crypto</a>
He suggested that consumer-oriented companies might benefit more during this rate-cutting cycle. Despite potential gains for tech stocks, Cramer noted that Wall Street often shifts focus to companies that thrive with lower rates.
Cramer concluded, &#8220;On days like today, we want the companies that desperately needed a rate cut, because they just got what they wished for. But tech? It got out of the wish game a very long time ago.&#8221;
Why It Matters: The Federal Reserve&#8217;s decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points marks a significant shift in monetary policy, breaking a streak of 12 consecutive months with rates held steady. This move aims to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/40932557/dow-tumbles-over-100-points-following-feds-rate-decision-fear-greed-index-in-greed-zone">address inflation and balance</a> economic risks. The rate cut has already impacted market sentiment, with the CNN Money Fear and Greed index showing improvement, moving into the &#8220;Greed&#8221; zone.
Price Action: Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which tracks tech players like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and others, was trading 1.67% higher during the pre-market at $479.33 while it closed at $471.44, as per <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40913080/shiba-inu-team-says-launching-k9-finance-liquid-staking-on-shibarium-tomorrow-are-shib-bur?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiba Inu Team Says Launching K9 Finance Liquid Staking On Shibarium Tomorrow: Are SHIB Burns Set To Accelerate From Here On Now?</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Pooja-Rajkumari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooja Rajkumari</a>

General

AVGO

Jim Cramer Predicts No 'Huge Run' For Tech Stocks After Federal Reserve Cuts Rate: 'It Got Out Of The Wish Game A Very Long Time Ago'

Wall Street reacted with unease to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&#8216;s remarks following a landmark decision to cut the federal funds rate by 50 basis points, bringing it down to a target range <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40927293/powell-defends-0-5-interest-rate-drop-as-right-thing-for-the-economy-doubles-down">of 4.75% to 5%. </a>
The Federal Reserve&#8217;s highly anticipated dot plot, which outlines each policymaker&#8217;s rate path preference, indicated that policymakers <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926026/federal-reserve-delivers-bold-0-5-rate-cut-signals-further-easing-ahead">anticipate further easing ahead</a>. The dot plot signaled that the Fed is likely to cut rates by a quarter percentage point at each of the next two decisions. Looking further ahead, it suggests an additional rate reduction of at least another percentage point in 2025.
Despite the initial market euphoria following the 50-basis-point rate cut, Powell&#8217;s cautious remarks on the future rate path have injected uncertainty into the markets.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/09/40928301/interest-rates-in-free-fall-what-it-means-for-mortgages-credit-cards-and-your-wallet-a">Interest Rates In Free-Fall &#8211; What It Means For Mortgages, Credit Cards And Your Wallet As The Federal Reserve Springs Into Action For First Time In 4 Years</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Response To Rate Cut, Powell&#8217;s Remarks</h3>
Initially, the S&amp;P 500, tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), surged to record highs. Gold prices, represented by the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), also hit all-time highs as the U.S. dollar weakened.
Interest-rate sensitive stocks were the largest gainers between 2 p.m. and 2:35 p.m. ET, with small caps outperforming large-cap counterparts.
Yet, Powell&#8217;s cautionary comments during the press conference caused a reversal in market sentiment.
Here&#8217;s how major asset classes closed on the Fed&#8217;s decision day:
<ul>
<li>The U.S. dollar, which many believed would plummet in a 50-basis-point cut scenario, instead recouped its losses and rallied to weekly highs. The Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UUP#NYSE">UUP</a>) closed 0.1% higher.</li>
<li>U.S. large-cap indices all ended the day in the red, paring back gains made immediately after the rate decision. The S&amp;P 500 finished 0.3% lower, while the Nasdaq 100, tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), declined by 0.4%.</li>
<li>Small caps managed to close unchanged for the day, but they still gave back all their post-rate-cut gains.</li>
<li>Sector-wise, the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) was the only sector to close in positive territory, up 0.2%. </li>
<li>The worst performer was the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>), which fell 1%.</li>
<li>Gold dropped 0.4% to $2,555 per ounce, hitting levels last seen on Thursday of the previous week.</li>
<li>Silver and oil also saw robust declines, closing 2.1% and 1.2% lower, respectively.</li>
<li>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) fell 1.1% to $59,717.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Powell&#8217;s Caution Stirs Investor Uncertainty</h3>
While defending the 50-basis-point rate cut, Powell tempered market enthusiasm, emphasizing that such a cut should not be seen as a new norm. His key statements on Wednesday included:
<ul>
<li>&#8220;No one should look at today and think this is the new pace.&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;We can go quicker or slower, or pause, on rate cuts if it is appropriate.&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;There is nothing in our projections that suggest we are in a rush.&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;If the economy remains solid and inflation persists, we can dial back policy restraint more slowly.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
These comments signaled a more cautious approach to future rate cuts, disappointing investors who had hoped for a more aggressive easing cycle.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Economist Insights</h3>
<ul>
<li>Jeffrey Roach, LPL Financial: &#8220;We learned from today's Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) that the Fed is interested in getting to a neutral fed funds rate as quickly as possible.&#8221;</li>
<li>John Lynch, Comerica Wealth Management: &#8220;The Fed was more aggressive than I expected, since 50 basis point cuts are historically associated with crises. I don't consider 2% GDP, 4.2% unemployment rate, and 15% profit growth forecasts for 2025 as a crisis.&#8221;</li>
<li>Bill Adams, Comerica Bank: &#8220;With the Fed pivoting, interest rates will be substantially lower over the next six to twelve months. That is very welcome news for credit-sensitive sectors of the economy like housing, manufacturing, and retailers of cars and other big-ticket consumer products.&#8221;</li>
<li>Chris Zaccarelli, Independent Advisor Alliance: &#8220;Lowering interest rates now should allow the market to hit all-time highs again by the end of this year, and more gains for next year.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40923390/20-s-p-500-stocks-that-move-the-most-when-the-fed-starts-cutting-interest-rates">20 S&amp;P 500 Stocks That Move The Most When The Fed Starts Cutting Interest Rates</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy of the Federal Reserve.

Econ #s

PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund

Powell's Hawkish Tone Tempers Market Excitement After Historic 50-Basis-Point Interest Rate Cut, Economist Sees 'Welcome News For Credit-Sensitive Sectors'

Editor&#8217;s note: This story has been updated with additional information. 
Markets are bouncing Wednesday afternoon following the Federal Reserve&#8217;s decision to cut rates by 0.5%, marking the beginning of the central bank&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40918078/is-the-fed-playing-with-fire-we-see-greater-risk-of-an-overheating-economy-as-they-">highly anticipated cutting cycle</a>.
What To Know: Wednesday&#8217;s&nbsp;0.5% rate cut brings the&nbsp;target fed funds rate&nbsp;to a new range&nbsp;between 4.75% and 5%, down from a 23-year high of 5.25% to 5.5%. It&#8217;s also the first rate cut since March 2020.
The fed funds rate has been sitting at a range between&nbsp;5.25% and 5.5%&nbsp;since the central bank last hiked in July 2023.
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which tracks the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/s-p-500">S&amp;P 500</a> index, was up 0.44% at all-time highs at last check, led higher by a variety of names like Arm Holdings Plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), The Trade Desk Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTD#NASDAQ">TTD</a>) Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TM#NYSE">TM</a>), General Motors Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) and Marriott International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAR#NASDAQ">MAR</a>).
The materials sector, as tracked by the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLB#NYSE">XLB</a>), was showing the most strength at the time of writing, climbing approximately 0.6% following the Fed decision. The energy sector, tracked by the Energy&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>), was the weakest, down 0.3% following the rate cut. Energy stocks had performed well on Wednesday ahead of the Fed decision, which may explain some of the relative weakness in afternoon trading.
Here&#8217;s a look at how various ETFs tracking the price-weighted Dow Jones Industrial Average, tech stocks, small caps, treasuries and gold are faring following the Fed&#8217;s latest move.
<ul>
<li>SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>): up 0.38% at $418.87.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>): up 0.59% at $476.25.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>IShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>): up 2.31% at $224.36. Small caps outperformed broader markets ahead of the rate cut and continued to outperform in afternoon trading.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>IShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>): down 0.36% at $100.48.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>): up 0.66% at $239.02. Gold hit all-time highs following the Fed&#8217;s rate decision.</li>
</ul>
It&#8217;s also worth noting that crypto markets are volatile following the Fed decision on rates. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) was down 0.86% over a 24-hour period, trading at $60,480, but well off its lows for the day, and Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) was down 1.79% at $2,322. 
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926026/federal-reserve-delivers-bold-0-5-rate-cut-signals-further-easing-ahead">Federal Reserve Delivers Bold 0.5% Rate Cut, Signals Further Easing Ahead</a>
The increased volatility is likely a result of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40883274/senator-warren-urges-fed-to-slash-rates-by-0-75-veteran-investor-warns-even-0-5-cut">uncertainty heading into the meeting</a>. According to CME&#8217;s <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">FedWatch tool</a>, the market was projecting a 61% chance of a larger 0.5% rate cut heading into the meeting versus a 39% chance of a smaller 0.25% cut.
As reported by Benzinga, the updated quarterly Dot Plot, which helps signal the Fed&#8217;s future policy intentions, indicates a more aggressive path for rate cuts than previously projected following Wednesday&#8217;s 0.5% cut. The median projection now calls for a total of 1% in rate cuts in 2024.
SPY Price Action: At the time of publication, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500</a> was up 0.44%, trading at $565.62, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40908202/10-etfs-investors-secretly-bought-before-the-feds-make-or-break-interest-rate-cal">10 ETFs Investors Secretly Bought Before The Fed&#8217;s Make-Or-Break Interest Rate Call</a></li>
</ul>
Watch Fed Chair Jerome Powell&#8216;s press conference here: 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="&#x1f534;WATCH LIVE: Jerome Powell Speaks, FOMC Press Conference &#x7C; September 18th, 2024" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qVdXli47cWk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
This illustration was generated using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Small Cap

$ETH

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

S&P 500, Gold Strike All-Time Highs, Small Caps Rally After Fed Slashes Interest Rates For First Time In 4 Years (UPDATED)

Macro Notification

Major indexes are higher after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 50 basis points.

To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-09-18_08h25_17.png" alt="" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fed Credibility At Stake</h3>
Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/chart-analysis-stock-market-fed-day-rate-cut-wall-street-positioning-spy-mc-09182024">click here</a> for an enlarged chart of  SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) which represents the benchmark stock market index S&amp;P 500 (SPX).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>The chart shows that the stock market is near the resistance zone.</li>
<li>The chart shows that the rally has been on low volume.&nbsp; This indicates a lack of conviction.</li>
<li>The chart shows that RSI has just entered the overbought zone.&nbsp; This indicates that the stock market can go either way.</li>
<li>The chart shows that if the stock market does not break out and turns down from here, it will be tracing a triple top.&nbsp; A triple top is a negative pattern.</li>
<li>FOMC will announce its rate decision at 2pm ET today and will be followed by Powell's press conference at 2:30pm ET.</li>
<li>Understanding Wall Street positioning can give investors a big edge.&nbsp; Wall Street is positioned for a 50 bps cut and highly dovish comments.</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, the totality of data does not justify a 50 bps cut.&nbsp; Further in The Arora Report analysis, the totality of data does not justify very dovish commentary.&nbsp;</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, if the Fed complies with the momo crowd's demands, the Fed's credibility will be hurt in the long run.&nbsp; There may be unintended consequences.&nbsp; One unintended consequence may be a rise in long term yields in due course.&nbsp; The other potential unintended consequence may be an unhealthy drop in the dollar.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>If the momo crowd gets what they want, S&amp;P 500 at 6000 is a magnet for traders.</li>
<li>If the momo crowd gets what they want, the momo crowd will aggressively buy.&nbsp; However, it is not clear how smart money will react.&nbsp; There is a fair probability of smart money taking advantage of the strength to sell.</li>
<li>If the Fed cuts by 25 basis points, then the market reaction will depend on commentary and the dot plot.</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, if the Fed cuts by 25 bps and the commentary is not dovish, there is a downside risk to the stock market.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Prudent investors need to be very mindful that the Fed is about to cut interest rates at a time when the stock market is near its all time high, house prices are near all time highs, and the economy is strong.&nbsp; Historically, the Fed cuts interest rates when the economy is weak or in recession, house prices are falling, and the stock market is weak.&nbsp; By aggressively cutting interest rates now accompanied by highly dovish commentary, the Fed risks its long term credibility.&nbsp; &nbsp; Highly dovish action now also has the potential to start rampant speculation in stocks, housing, and cryptos.</li>
<li>A 50 bps cut and highly dovish commentary will be helpful for a Harris election.&nbsp; The Fed will never admit it, but there is a school of thought that the Fed wants to help Harris win the election.&nbsp; The reason is that Trump has already said he will not reappoint Powell.&nbsp; Further, Trump has said that he will interfere with the Fed.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Starts</h3>
Housing starts came at 1356K vs. 1320K consensus.
Building permits came at 1475K vs. 1415K consensus.
In The Arora Report analysis, activity among builders is increasing as they anticipate falling interest rates will let loose pent up demand.&nbsp; This will increase economic activity, which in turn is good for the stock market.&nbsp;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h3>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Alphabet Inc Class C (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are neutral in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are positive in SPY and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h3>
Investors can gain an edge by knowing money flows in SPY and QQQ.  Investors can get a bigger edge by knowing when smart money is buying stocks, gold, and oil.  The most popular ETF for gold is SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>).  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLV#NYSE">SLV</a>).  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h3>
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is seeing buying in anticipation of a 50 bps rate cut.&nbsp; Bullish crypto gurus are hopeful that a 50 bps cut will take bitcoin to a new high.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h3>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.
Consider continuing to hold good, very long term, existing positions. Based on individual risk preference, consider a protection band consisting of cash or Treasury bills or short-term tactical trades as well as short to medium term hedges and short term hedges. This is a good way to protect yourself and participate in the upside at the same time.
You can determine your protection bands by adding cash to hedges.&nbsp; The high band of the protection is appropriate for those who are older or conservative. The low band of the protection is appropriate for those who are younger or aggressive.&nbsp; If you do not hedge, the total cash level should be more than stated above but significantly less than cash plus hedges.
A protection band of 0% would be very bullish and would indicate full investment with 0% in cash.&nbsp; A protection band of 100% would be very bearish and would indicate a need for aggressive protection with cash and hedges or aggressive short selling.
It is worth reminding that you cannot take advantage of new upcoming opportunities if you are not holding enough cash.&nbsp; When adjusting hedge levels, consider adjusting partial stop quantities for stock positions (non ETF); consider using wider stops on remaining quantities and also allowing more room for high beta stocks.&nbsp; High beta stocks are the ones that move more than the market.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h3>
Probability based risk reward adjusted for inflation does not favor long duration strategic bond allocation at this time.
Those who want to stick to traditional 60% allocation to stocks and 40% to bonds may consider focusing on only high quality bonds and bonds of five year duration or less.&nbsp; Those willing to bring sophistication to their investing may consider using bond ETFs as tactical positions and not strategic positions at this time.
The Arora Report is known for its accurate calls. The Arora Report correctly called the big artificial intelligence rally before anyone else, the new bull market of 2023, the bear market of 2022, new stock market highs right after the virus low in 2020, the virus drop in 2020, the DJIA rally to 30,000 when it was trading at 16,000, the start of a mega bull market in 2009, and the financial crash of 2008. Please click here to sign up for a free forever <a href="https://thearorareport.com/generate-wealth-newsletter-benzinga">Generate Wealth Newsletter</a>.

Fed Credibility At Stake - Wall Street Positioned For 50 BPS Cut And Highly Dovish Comments

Wall Street is jittery hours before the highly anticipated Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, with all major indices posting modest losses by midday in New York. While a Federal Reserve rate cut is considered a done deal, the market remains divided on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40921827/fed-decision-is-here-5-things-investors-need-to-know-ahead-of-wednesdays-pivotal-in">magnitude of the cut. </a>
Current implied probabilities show a 60% chance of a 50-basis-point reduction, while a smaller 25-basis-point cut has lately gained traction, rising to 40% odds, as per CME FedWatch.
The growing expectation of a smaller cut has pushed Treasury yields higher across the curve, reflecting a shift in market sentiment.
Amid this uncertainty, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often seen as the market&#8217;s fear gauge, spiked 8%, signaling heightened investor anxiety.
The U.S. dollar steadied, recovering from overnight losses. Commodities retreated, with oil prices down 0.9%, despite a fresh escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and silver slipping 1%. Gold remained flat.
In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) declined 1.5%, dipping below the $60,000 mark after a 3.6% rally on Tuesday.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day chg %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,622.28</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>41,482.17</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>19,369.89</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,201.42</td>
<td>-0.5%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:05 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent091824&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a> data: 
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;was 0.3% lower to $561.44.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;fell 0.3% to $416.11.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust Series (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) fell 0.4% to $471.53.</li>
<li>The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) eased 0.5% to $218.40.</li>
<li>The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) outperformed, up 0.2%. The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) lagged, down 0.8%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li>ResMed Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RMD#NYSE">RMD</a>) fell over 5% after Wolfe Research cut the stock rating from &#8216;Peer Perform&#8217; to &#8216;Underperform.&#8217;</li>
<li>General Motors Co.(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) shares surged over 2% on Wednesday following the announcement that its electric vehicle customers will soon be able to access Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&#8217;s Supercharger network using a GM-approved adapter.</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40923390/20-s-p-500-stocks-that-move-the-most-when-the-fed-starts-cutting-interest-rates">20 S&amp;P 500 Stocks That Move The Most When The Fed Starts Cutting Interest Rates</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Stocks Edge Lower As Fed Rate Decision Looms, Treasury Yields Rise As Odds Improve For Smaller Cut: What's Driving Markets Wednesday?

The index futures are slightly higher early Wednesday as traders turn defensive ahead of the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40913751/50-or-25-bps-fed-rate-cut-markets-and-economists-at-odds-what-does-steeper-reduction-mean-for-in"> all-important Federal Reserve meeting of the year.</a> As is characteristic of a Fed decision day, stocks could mostly move sidewards in a narrow range until the rate decision is announced. The trading direction will likely depend on several factors, including any changes in the Fed&#8217;s language in the post-meeting policy statement, the growth, inflation, and rate forecasts provided in the Summary of Economic Projections, and Chair Jerome Powell&#8216;s comments during the subsequent press conference.
While the betting and futures market suggests a 50 basis point could be on the table, most economists are resigned to a more modest 25 bps cut. Some strategists even worry a bigger cut could be interpreted as a confession from the central bank that the economic conditions are a cause for concern.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>+0.17%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>+0.14%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow</td>
<td>+0.16%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>R2K</td>
<td>+0.17%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
In premarket trading on Tuesday, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) added 0.10% to $563.66 and the Invesco QQQ ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) gained 0.11% to $473.99, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Cues From Last Session:
On Tuesday, a stronger-than-expected increase in August retail sales set in motion a strong buying wave, which, however, could not be sustained in the afternoon session. As a result, the major indices ended narrowly mixed. The S&amp;P 500 rose for a seven straight session, hitting an intra-day high amid the early buying. The broader gauge, however, came off the high and ended marginally higher. It is now at its best level since Aug. 23.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td>+0.20%</td>
<td>17,628.06</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500 Index</td>
<td>+0.03%</td>
<td>5,634.58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Industrials</td>
<td>-0.04%</td>
<td>41,606.18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>+0.74%</td>
<td>2,205.48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Insights From Analysts:
Offering his take on the focus of the market, Scott Merkle, managing partner of SLB Capital Advisors, said a cut is locked in, and the &#8220;market will now turn its attention to deciphering the meaning of a 25 basis point versus a 50 basis point reduction.&#8221; The strategist expects a reduction by 25 basis points from the 5.25%-5.50% level where the Fed funds rate is currently.  
&#8220;The Fed is likely to start small to provide an opportunity to adjust in future periods,&#8221; he said, adding that lower rates will reinvigorate M&amp;A activity, the sale-leaseback market and lower financing costs.
LPL Financial Chief Technical Strategist Adam Turnquist said, that in the last nine major rate hiking cycles since the 1970s, the S&amp;P 500 has generated mixed, modest returns over the three months following the first cut, with 12-month average and median returns of 5.5% and 10.8%, respectively.
The 12-month maximum drawdowns following the first cut have been around 19%–20%, larger declines than the average maximum drawdown for all years since 1974 of 14.4%, he added. &#8220;How the economy holds up and if we enter or avoid a recession will ultimately dictate how stocks perform over the longer term,&#8221; he added.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-futures-trading-software">Best Futures Trading Software</a>
Upcoming Economic Data:
<ul>
<li>The Commerce Department will release the housing starts and building permits report at 8:30 a.m. EDT. Economists, on average, expect housing starts to come in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.31 million units in August, up from a 1.24 million rate in July. Building permits, a measure of future activity, may have remained almost unchanged at 1.41 million units.</li>
<li>The Energy Information Administration is scheduled to release its weekly petroleum status report at 10:30 a.m. EDT.</li>
<li>The Federal Reserve will release the post-meeting policy statement, along with the Summary of Economic Projections at 2 p.m. EDT. Powell will host a press conference at 2:30 p.m. EDT to explain away the rate decision and the rate outlook.</li>
</ul>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) climbed over 3% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket">in premarket trading</a> after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States reportedly allowed time for the steelmaker&#8217;s pursuer Nippon Steel to close the deal, thereby keeping it alive.</li>
<li>General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>) is due to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings">release its earnings report ahead of the market opening</a>, while Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCS#NYSE">SCS</a>) will report after the close.</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Bonds And Global Equity Markets:
Crude oil futures fell sharply, extending their steep loss from Tuesday, while gold futures rose modestly, ahead of the Fed decision. The benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose 2.4 points to 3.666%. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) gained and approached the $60K psychological resistance.
In the currency market, the dollar was weaker against its major counterparts.
The major Asian markets that were open showed nervousness and settled mostly lower amid apprehension ahead of the U.S. Fed decision. The Australian, Japanese and Chinese markets bucked the downtrend, while the Hong Kong and South Korean markets were closed for public holidays.
European stocks were mostly lower in early trading, as market participants digested domestic inflation data and looked forward to the Fed decision. 
<ul>
<li>Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40891378/ahead-of-fomc-meeting-paul-krugman-says-fed-rates-will-be-elevated-even-with-50-bps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ahead Of FOMC Meeting Paul Krugman Says Fed Rates Will Be Elevated Even With 50 Bps Cut: &#8216;Argument For Incrementalism Is Very Weak&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock

Wall Street On Edge As Traders Look Forward To Fed's First Rate Cut In 4.5 Years: Strategist Says This Will Dictate How Stocks Perform Longer Term

The S&amp;P 500, tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), hit fresh record highs during Tuesday morning trading and closed up 0.04%, marking its seventh consecutive day of gains, just ahead of the Federal Reserve&#8217;s highly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/interest-rates">anticipated interest rate decision.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SPY&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SPY</a> hit all-time highs today <a href="https://t.co/MxtEgTXErl">pic.twitter.com/MxtEgTXErl</a>
&mdash; Benzinga (@Benzinga) <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga/status/1836051317464178892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The performance of the index tracking the largest 500 U.S. companies by market capitalization was in line with other major indices. The Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which tracks the tech-heavy Nasdaq, and the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) both closed broadly flat for the day.
However, small-cap stocks outperformed their larger counterparts, as the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) finished 0.8% higher.
Policymakers gathered on Tuesday for the two-day Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, with the interest rate decision expected on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Market expectations are mixed, with CME FedWatch data indicating a 65% chance of a 50-basis-point rate cut and a 35% chance of a smaller 25-basis-point cut. This level of uncertainty is unusual on the eve of a Fed decision.
Expectations for a larger rate cut fell slightly after August retail sales came in stronger than anticipated. Retail sales increased by 0.1% month-over-month, decelerating from July&#8217;s robust 1.1% growth but beating forecasts of a 0.2% decline.
The unexpected strength in consumer spending has cast some doubt on the need for a significant rate cut to support the economy.
An overwhelming consensus among Wall Street analysts anticipates a 25-basis-point cut, yet JPMorgan Chase stands among the outliers predicting a 50-basis-point reduction.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Top 5 S&amp;P 500 Stocks</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Sector</td>
<td>1-day Return (%)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>)</td>
<td>Information Technology</td>
<td>6.32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HPE#NASDAQ">HPE</a>)</td>
<td>Information Technology</td>
<td>5.66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>)</td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>4.05</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Synchrony Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYF#NYSE">SYF</a>)</td>
<td>Financials</td>
<td>4.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/URI#NYSE">URI</a>)</td>
<td>Industrials</td>
<td>3.95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABNB#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Discretionary</td>
<td>3.86</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40908202/10-etfs-investors-secretly-bought-before-the-feds-make-or-break-interest-rate-cal">10 ETFs Investors Secretly Bought Before The Fed&#8217;s Make-Or-Break Interest Rate Call</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Dall-E.

Mid Cap

ABNB

ENPH

MRNA

S&P 500 Briefly Hits Record High Just Ahead Of Fed Rate Cut, Extends 7-Day Winning Streak: Tuesday's Top 5 Gainers

Wall Street experienced a slightly positive session Tuesday, supported by investor optimism as the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kicked off its two-day meeting, expected to deliver the first interest rate cut in over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40878710/investors-bet-on-50-basis-point-rate-cut-wall-street-analysts-urge-caution-this-is-">four years on Wednesday.</a>
The session&#8217;s notable performers were small caps, with the Russell 2000 index surging about 1.3%, targeting its highest close since early August and outperforming larger-cap indices.
Among industries, solar, clean energy and regional banks led gains as traders eyed pockets of the markets that would benefit from lower interest rates.
On the macro front, August retail sales provided an upside surprise, growing by 0.1% month-over-month compared to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/24/09/40902634/retail-spending-remains-on-solid-footing-but-fed-must-weigh-rate-cuts-impact-on-workers-says-economi">the expected 0.2% decline</a>. This stronger-than-anticipated data slightly reduced the likelihood of a more aggressive 50-basis-point rate cut, with market-implied probabilities for such a move slipping from 67% to 63%, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
Short-dated Treasury yields rose as expectations for a substantial rate cut moderated. Meanwhile, the dollar strengthened, gaining 0.2%. 
In the commodities market, gold retreated 0.7% from Monday&#8217;s record-high close. Oil prices increased by 1.3% following escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Reports indicate a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/24/09/40903888/simultaneous-pager-explosions-across-lebanon-leave-over-1-000-hezbollah-militants-wounded"> coordinated attack in Lebanon</a> led to thousands of pagers linked to Hezbollah militants being detonated, resulting in numerous casualties within the Iran-backed organization.
Additionally, Iran&#8217;s ambassador to Lebanon is reportedly injured, though the official responsibility for the attack remains unclaimed.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) jumped over 4%, buoyed by positive ETF inflows, signaling renewed investor interest in the digital asset space as interest rates shift. 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,220.44</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,642.79</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>19,441.83</td>
<td>0.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>41,636.05</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:38 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent091724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a> platform:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;was 0.1% higher to $563.44.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;inched 0.1% up to $417.61.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust Series (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) also rose 0.1% to $473.60.</li>
<li>The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) rose 1.2% to $220.28.</li>
<li>The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) outperformed, up 1.2%. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>) lagged, down 0.9%.</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h1>
<ul>
<li>Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) surged over 6% after receiving approval from Health Canada for its updated SPIKEVAX COVID-19 vaccine, designed to target the KP.2 sub-lineage of SARS-CoV-2 in individuals aged six months and older.</li>
<li>GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>) climbed 3.5% following an upgrade from Bank of America, which raised its rating on the stock from Neutral to Buy and increased the price target from $200 to $300.</li>
<li>Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HPE#NYSE">HPE</a>) advanced nearly 5% after Bank of America also upgraded its rating from Neutral to Buy and boosted the price target from $21 to $24.</li>
</ul>
Read Now:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/09/40904599/stock-of-the-day-will-apple-bring-the-market-down">Stock Of The Day: Will Apple Bring The Market Down?</a></li>
</ul>
The image was created using artificial intelligence MidJourney.

Retail Sales

Small Caps, Bitcoin Rally As Traders Await Fed Rate Cut; Treasury Yields, US Dollar Tick Up On Strong Retail Sales: What's Driving Markets Tuesday?

Today you will see GBPUSD price prediction based on the technical analysis. What is the support and resistance on the daily time frame for GBPUSD. What to expect where the price will breakout for the GBPUSD based on the supply and demand zones.

NASDAQ Analysis & NASDAQ Forecast - Saturday, September 21

Last week, I said I would continue writing about Michael Gurri's important book, The Revolt of the Public. It turns out giving a proper review of not just the book but all of the comments about the book will require more than a few days' writing.

Late Summer Sandpile

DCOR: Offering Both Growth And Value

Weekly Indicators: Fed Rate Cut Ignites Stocks And Bond Prices

Weekly Commentary: Fed Goes Big

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed at an all time high last Friday and the S&P 500 (SPX) closed at an all time high last Thursday.

Technical Market Report For September 21, 2024

The market has continued to front-run the Fed's rate cuts during the last two years. Each rally turned to disappointment as the Fed postponed while continuing to fight inflation.

Fed Cuts Rates By 50 Basis Points...Now What

Fed and politics: Central bank delivers jumbo rate cut ahead of presidential election

In this video, I take a closer look at the week's notable events and discuss what to watch for in the coming week.

Masters In Trading - Saturday, Sept. 21

The SPX index hit a new all-time high on Thursday, but it then closed well off its high. The breakout wasn't the best, and combined with the nervousness about the election, I think the market will continue to be difficult until the end of October.

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Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1

Overview

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:QQQ), Quote.Headers.trade-ideas