However, mixed results from major companies have cast doubt on future interest rate cuts after the Fed eased rates by a quarter point on Wednesday. Fed Chair Jerome Powell signalled that a cut at December’s meeting is uncertain, contrary to investor expectations.

Third-quarter earnings have exceeded expectations, with S&P 500 profits projected to rise by 13.8% year-over-year. Over 130 companies are set to report results in the coming week.

Market Valuation

The S&P 500’s forward price-to-earnings ratio has exceeded 23, raising concerns about high market valuations reminiscent of the dot-com era. Analysts suggest earnings must support future stock returns given current valuation levels.

Historically, November is a strong month for stocks, averaging a gain of 1.87%. Future performance trends may indicate continued upward movement, as past instances show stocks often rise after substantial year-to-date gains.

With 44% of S&P 500 companies reporting, 83% have surpassed earnings expectations, signalling strong corporate performance despite challenges. Companies such as Meta Platforms and Microsoft saw share declines post-earnings due to increased spending on AI, while Alphabet’s stock rose amid positive sentiment regarding its cash flow management.

Investors maintain caution due to rising workforce reductions, particularly after Amazon announced a significant global workforce decrease. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now the second longest in history, adds uncertainty as critical economic data releases are delayed.

The Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of Ukraine confirmed the operation specifically targeted the Koltsevoy pipeline located in Ramensky district. Despite robust security measures, the attack successfully disrupted a pipeline critical for transporting fuel to the Russian military.

HUR noted the pipeline had a substantial annual capacity, delivering millions of tons of jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline.

HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov stated that the damage inflicted was more substantial than international sanctions against Russia.

Energy Disruption

Ukraine’s strategy centers on disrupting Russian energy logistics to exert economic pressure. Ukraine’s forces have frequently targeted Russian fuel facilities, with officials claiming this approach is yielding greater success than economic sanctions.

Russian military actions against Ukraine intensified concurrently, with a reported 270 missile strikes in October and drone assaults resulting in significant civilian casualties.

The ongoing conflict has drawn international condemnation, particularly from the G7, which criticises Russia’s attacks as harmful to social and economic stability in Ukraine.