Top 5 things to watch in markets in the week ahead
1. Fed Minutes and Market Expectations
- Minutes from the Federal Reserve's January meeting suggest a hold on rate cuts, contrary to market expectations of four quarter-point cuts starting in June.
2. Nvidia Earnings and Market Sentiment
- Nvidia's earnings report post-market on Wednesday will test market sentiment, given its central role in AI and tech sector growth.
3. Retail Earnings and Economic Outlook
- Walmart's cautious tone for 2024 amid rising inflation and high consumer prices reflects ongoing economic challenges.
4. PMI Data and Global Economic Trends
- Global PMI data suggests a mixed economic outlook beyond the U.S., with signs of resilience in some regions despite concerns over global recession.
5. China Markets Resumption and Policy Response
- Chinese markets return after the Lunar New Year holiday amidst efforts to stabilize the battered stock market.