The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and other major US stock indexes ended mixed on May 12, 2024, as investors awaited key economic data releases. The DJIA snapped its eight-day winning streak, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite finished slightly higher.
The economic calendar is packed this week with several important reports scheduled for release. Home Depot (HD) is set to report its quarterly earnings on Tuesday, May 14. Producer price index numbers will also be released on that day, followed by the highly anticipated consumer price index report on Wednesday, May 15.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished Monday's trading session with a loss of 0.2%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite added 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively.
Barclays has stated that growth stocks are currently benefiting from improving forward guidance in the US, making them a preferred choice over value stocks in Europe. Citi is bullish on defense stocks despite underperformance by investors, as evidenced by the SPDR S&P Aerospace and Defense ETF's lagging performance compared to the S&P 500.
Meanwhile, GameStop (GME) surged 70.9% higher in the stock market on Monday after Roaring Kitty returned to social media and helped ignite a rally in the meme stock and AMC Entertainment stocks.
The Federal Reserve's dovish turn has boosted expectations for lower interest rates, which could benefit growth stocks further. However, investors are also keeping a close eye on inflation data as rising prices could impact corporate earnings and consumer spending.
Investors will be closely watching the economic data releases this week to gauge the health of the US economy and determine how it may impact their investment strategies.