Stock futures were relatively unchanged on Monday evening, with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gaining 4 points (0.01%), while S&P 500 futures rose by 0.03% and Nasdaq 100 futures increased by 0.06%. During regular trading hours, stocks experienced fluctuations, but all three major indexes ended the day with modest gains. The S&P 500 added 0.4%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.45%, and the Dow added 0.13%. Despite these gains, September is on track to end with lower stock performance, as the month is historically weak for equities. Furthermore, the recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting indicated higher interest rates and fewer cuts in 2024, which impacted investor sentiment.
Investors will also closely watch Washington for progress on a spending bill to avert a government shutdown, which could occur as early as October 1 if Congress fails to agree on the bill. Looking ahead, investors may find opportunities in the upcoming market turbulence associated with October, which has a reputation as a “bear killer” despite being considered a volatile month. Mary Ann Bartels, chief investment strategist at Sanctuary Wealth, suggests that October often presents buying opportunities as it precedes the historically strong months of November and December. Additionally, economic data to be released includes August’s final building permits report, new home sales data for last month, and the Conference Board’s consumer confidence report for September.
In conclusion, stock futures remained relatively flat, with minor gains in Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 futures. Despite modest gains in the major indexes during regular trading hours, September is anticipated to end with lower stock performance. The recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting influenced investor sentiment with the announcement of higher interest rates and fewer expected cuts in 2024. Investors will closely monitor progress in Washington to avert a government shutdown, and October’s market volatility may present buying opportunities. Economic data to be released includes building permits, new home sales, and the consumer confidence report.