Market Review: AI trick or treat
Global equity returns were mixed last week, following an end-of-week pullback in technology stocks. Small-capitalization (cap) and value stocks outperformed amid a rotation in market leadership. Earnings from several Magnificent 7 (Mag 7) and major artificial intelligence (AI)-related technology companies were a mixed bag, reigniting scrutiny over returns on AI capital expenditures (capex).
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting last week resulted in few surprises, the committee elected to hold interest rates steady, with two members dissenting in favor of a rate hike. U.S. Treasury yields fell for the week, but market expectations currently point to a 25-basis-point (bp) rate hike at the December FOMC meeting. Third-quarter GDP was reported higher than expected at 3.4%, while Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), the Federal Reserve’s (Fed’s) preferred inflation gauge, remained elevated at 3.6%.
Perspectiva del mercado
The economic data from last week reinforced our view that we are in an environment of solid economic growth and persistent, above-target inflation. While Fed Chair Warsh’s preference for “forward silence” leaves investors with more uncertainty on the policy path, current expectations are for the Fed to complete a limited rate-hiking cycle early next year. We favor a modest tilt toward equities with a balanced approach amid bond market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and this week’s U.S. midterm elections.
Tabla de la semana
Informe de ganancias del S&P 500®
- Following a busy week of S&P 500 companies reporting earnings, the blended earnings growth rate improved by 70 bps from the prior week.
- Growth was widespread across most sectors, although weaker results from a few Mag 7 companies weighed on Communication Services and Consumer Discretionary. Results continued to reflect strong cloud demand and AI momentum, while elevated capex to support AI and data center needs remained a common theme.
- Earnings growth is becoming more broad-based, with growth excluding the Mag 7 exceeding overall index growth for the first time in several quarters.