High volatility surrounds delayed key data due to a government shutdown. Nonfarm Payrolls and Average Hourly Earnings, crucial for Fed rate outlook, are now expected next Wednesday, February 11, at 8:30 AM EST. Michigan Consumer Sentiment is still tomorrow, Friday, at 10:00 AM EST. Next Tuesday, Retail Sales at 8:30 AM EST will gauge consumer strength. The most impactful data, the CPI report, is now next Friday, February 13, at 8:30 AM EST, significantly shaping inflation and Fed policy expectations. Traders are cautiously optimistic but pricing in a potential dovish Fed turn, tempered by the incoming Fed Chair nomination.
Traders face uncertainty from delayed NFP and CPI reports. Focus shifts to tomorrow's Michigan Sentiment and next Tuesday's Retail Sales for immediate market cues. Prepare for heightened volatility next Wednesday (NFP) and Friday (CPI), as these will critically influence Fed dovish bets and inflation outlook.
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.