Yesterday’s FOMC minutes spooked investors, accelerating the tech-led selloff. Officials remain worried about inflation, signaling they’d act before cutting rates, though the meeting occurred before the weak July jobs data hit. Powell’s speech tomorrow is expected to strike a balance—acknowledging labor market worries but keeping inflation top of mind. The US 2-30 year spread is widening on rate-cut concerns and rising debt costs.
Big Tech continues to weigh on equities, though TSMC futures are up 1.3% and Nvidia rebounded after dipping below $170, hinting at a potential cooling of the tech selloff. Globally, Japan’s 30-year JGB yield is testing multi-decade highs, raising the risk of reverse carry trades. PMI data show mixed signals: strong growth in India, contraction in Japan, and will probably confirm slow European activity pickup. Markets are eyeing Jackson Hole for Powell’s guidance, while oil waits for details over Ukraine.
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