Weekly Newsletter – 26th July , 2024

Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended the week lower, with the Nasdaq facing significant declines. Earnings reports are highlighting concerns about overhyped AI investments and potential slowdowns in consumer spending. Alphabet’s results intensified doubts about AI returns, while Southwest Airlines, UPS, and Whirlpool raised fears about consumer pullback. The US economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.8% in Q2, surpassing expectations and the previous quarter’s growth. Market expectations are firmly set on a rate cut in September 2024. Small Caps have recently outperformed Large Caps significantly, with a 13% spread over the last 12 trading days. Major tech companies, including Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Apple, are set to release their earnings next week, which could impact market sentiment further.