By Daniela Sabin Hathorn, senior market analyst at Capital.com
Equity markets are trying to find some footing to end the week after a late session pullback left momentum depleted on Thursday. The initial reaction to the US jobs data was positive as it painted a picture of resilience but enabled the Fed to keep on cutting (even if not immediately). This translated into session highs as the US open got underway, but the momentum quickly reversed, with uncertainty about the next policy action from the central bank likely the culprit.
The afternoon will bring a fresh round of data from the manufacturing and industrial sectors, as well as the latest consumer sentiment readings. If the data surprises investors it could offer the latest trigger for further moves. Meanwhile, next week will prove. A key test for appetite, with a series of inflation and growth readings scheduled for the week. Frankly, until markets have a little more clarity on what the Fed will do next, the volatility is likely to continue in markets, with a lack of clear direction evident.
S&P 500 chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
