Investing Weekly Market Insights

Weekly Market Insights: September 16, 2024 – Stocks Rally Ahead of Fed Meeting

BY Spectrum Wealth Management | Sep 16, 2024
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The Week on Wall Street

Stocks rallied last week as investors received better-than-expected consumer and producer inflation data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.60 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.02 percent. The Nasdaq Composite led, picking up 5.95 percent as tech stocks rebounded. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.01 percent.1,2

A Wednesday to Remember

Stocks bounced out of the gate at the start of the week as “risk on” investors made moves before the pending release of the twin inflation reports–the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI). The three major averages added slightly more than 1 percent in Monday trading.3

On Wednesday, stocks initially dipped following the release of the CPI as traders appeared disappointed by the report. By midday, sentiment changed. The S&P 500, down as much as 1.6 percent in early trading, gained 1.1 percent by the closing bell. More inflation data out Thursday showed wholesale price increases were tempered, which helped stocks move higher through the balance of the week.4,5

Small Caps Shine

Small-cap stocks, as measured by the Russell 2000 Index, have pushed higher in recent weeks, which is a telling move for some Wall Street observers. The Russell 2000 has outperformed the S&P 500 by more than 4 percent during Q3 so far.6

One reason is that smaller stocks tend to respond when they anticipate interest rates will trend lower. Investors appear to be positioning themselves in small cap issues, expecting the Fed may adjust rates at its September meeting as it looks to guide the economy to a soft landing.7

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Empire State Manufacturing Index.
Tuesday: FOMC meeting – Day 1. Retail Sales. Industrial Production. Fed Official Lorie Logan speaks.
Wednesday: FOMC meeting – Day 2. Housing Starts and Permits. FOMC Announcement. Fed Chair Press Conference
Thursday: Existing Home Sales. Weekly Jobless Claims.
Friday: Fed Official Patrick Harker speaks.

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; September 13, 2024 – The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Wednesday: General Mills, Inc. (GIS)
Thursday: FedEx Corporation (FDX)

Source: Zacks, September 13, 2024 – Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.


  1. https://www.wsj.com/market-data
  2. https://www.investing.com/indices/msci-eafe
  3. https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-live-09-10-2024
  4. https://www.wsj.com/economy/inflation-august-cpi-report-interest-rate-d8c8c65a?st=tqygua8nhrob44t&reflink=article_email_share
  5. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/12/producer-price-index-august-2024-.html
  6. https://www.wsj.com/market-data
  7. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/small-cap-stocks-beating-s-p-500-this-quarter-as-investors-expect-fed-rate-cuts-4ba8352f?mod=mw_pushly&send_date=20240912

Spectrum Wealth Counsel, doing business as Spectrum Wealth Management, LLC, is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Additional information about Spectrum’s investment advisory services is found in Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. The information presented is for educational and illustrative purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax and legal counsel should be engaged before taking any action. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information and should not be considered a solicitation for purchasing or selling any security.

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