Fed Chair Powell speaks this Saturday at 10:30 am EST, a high-volatility event following Friday's 12:00 pm EST Monetary Policy Report. Today, Thursday, features Jobless Claims and Philly Fed at 8:30 am EST. Next Tuesday brings critical S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMIs at 9:45 am EST. Markets are monitoring Powell for hints on rate pauses amid sticky labor costs. Expect significant price action during Saturday’s address and Tuesday’s PMI data releases.
Traders should hedge positions ahead of Powell’s Saturday speech, which may trigger weekend gap risks. Monitor Tuesday’s PMI data for signs of economic cooling; a miss in services could weaken the USD. Focus on $SPY and $QQQ volatility as the Fed clarifies its policy trajectory.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.