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Markets are on a winning streak, so why is Tesla struggling?

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The S&P 500 extended its remarkable winning streak, reaching an all-time high for the fifth consecutive session, fueled by robust U.S. economic growth data for the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, electric vehicle giant Tesla faced a significant setback as it tumbled in response to a disappointing sales forecast.

This recent surge in the S&P 500 marks the first time in two years that it has achieved record highs, driven by optimism about the economy, lower interest rates, and growing investments in artificial intelligence.

Tesla experienced a sharp decline of 12%, hitting its lowest point since May 2023.

Impacted margins

CEO Elon Musk’s warning of slower sales growth in the coming year, despite price reductions that have negatively impacted margins, contributed to this decline.

As a result, Tesla’s market value dropped to approximately $580 billion, falling below Eli Lilly (LLY.N) and just above Broadcom (AVGO.O).

Contrary to predictions of a recession following the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes, the U.S. economy exhibited faster-than-expected growth in the December quarter, with a full-year growth rate of 2.5%.

Strong consumer spending played a pivotal role in this economic resilience.

Jobless claims

Additional data revealed that initial jobless claims for the week ending January 20 rose to 214,000, exceeding the estimated figure of 200,000.

Investors are eagerly anticipating quarterly results from tech giants such as Apple (AAPL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), Amazon (AMZN.O), Alphabet (GOOGL.O), and Meta Platforms (META.O) in the coming week, which will provide insights into whether their high valuations are justified after significant stock surges since 2022.

EV losses

Following Tesla’s quarterly report, other electric car manufacturers also experienced losses. Rivian Automotive (RIVN.O) dropped 2.2%, and Lucid Group (LCID.O) fell by 6.7%.

American Airlines (AAL.O) reported a 10.3% increase as it predicted upbeat annual profits.

Highest consumer financial stress level in three years

Among the S&P 500 companies that have reported earnings thus far, an impressive 82% have exceeded expectations, surpassing the long-term average beat rate of 67%.

Boeing (BA.N) faced a 5.7% decline after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration prohibited the troubled planemaker from expanding the production of its 737 MAX narrowbody planes.

Advancing stocks outnumbered declining ones within the S&P 500 (.AD.SPX) with a ratio of 4.0 to one. The S&P 500 marked 50 new highs and two new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 97 new highs and 119 new lows.

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Fed cuts rates, signals more potentially ahead

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

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Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

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In Short:
– The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to address job market concerns.
– Officials expect at least two additional rate cuts by year-end amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by a quarter-point, addressing concerns about a weakening job market overshadowing inflation worries.
A majority of officials anticipate at least two additional cuts by year-end during the remaining meetings in October and December.Banner

Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a significant shift in the labour market, highlighting “downside risk” in his statements.

The recent rate cut, supported by 11 of 12 Fed voters, aims to recalibrate an economy facing uncertainties from policy changes and market pressures.

Policy Dynamics

The decision comes amid intense political scrutiny, with President Trump openly criticising Powell’s reluctance to lower rates.

Despite the controversy, Powell asserts that political pressures do not influence Fed operations.

The current benchmark federal-funds rate now sits between 4% and 4.25%, the lowest since 2021, providing some reprieve to consumers and small businesses. Economic forecasts indicate ongoing complexities, including inflation trends and the impact of tariffs on labour dynamics, complicating future policy decisions.


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Fed faces unusual dissent amid leadership uncertainty

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

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Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

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In Short:
– This week’s Federal Reserve meeting faces unusual dissent as Chair Powell approaches his term’s end.
– Analysts predict dissent over expected rate cuts due to political pressures from Trump-appointed officials.
This week’s Federal Reserve meeting is set to be particularly unusual, with Chair Jerome Powell facing significant disagreements over future policy as he approaches the end of his term in May.Tensions began before the meeting when Fed governor Lisa Cook won a court ruling allowing her to attend, despite opposition from President Trump, who is attempting to remove her.

The situation is further complicated by the recent swearing-in of Trump adviser Stephen Miran to the Fed’s board, following a Senate confirmation.

Analysts believe Powell may encounter dissent on an expected quarter-percentage-point rate cut from both Trump-appointed officials and regional Fed presidents concerned about inflation.

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Potential Dissent

Trump has urged significant rate cuts and for the board to challenge Powell’s decisions.

Some analysts predict dissenting votes from Miran and other Trump appointees in favour of larger cuts. Federal Reserve veterans express concerns that political motivations may undermine the institution’s integrity, with indications that greater dissent could become commonplace.


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RBA plans to ban credit card surcharges in Australia

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards

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Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards.

In Short:
– The RBA plans to ban surcharges on debit and credit card transactions, supported by consumer group Choice.
– Major banks oppose the ban, warning it could lead to higher card fees and reduced rewards for credit card users.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) intends to implement a ban on surcharges associated with debit and credit card transactions. Consumer advocacy group Choice endorses this initiative, arguing that it is unjust for users of low-cost debit cards to incur similar fees as credit card holders.Banner

The major banks, however, are opposing this reform. They caution that the removal of surcharges could prompt customers to abandon credit cards due to diminished rewards.

A final decision by the RBA is anticipated by December 2025.


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