Stocks Set To Extend Losses With Tech Under Strain: Markets Wrap

US stocks are set for a third day of losses as large technology shares remain under pressure amid concerns over stretched valuations and doubts about the pace of Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts.

Contracts on the S&P 500 retreated 0.4%. Technology firms were among the biggest decliners in early trading, with Oracle Corp. falling more than 2%. Six members of the Magnificent Seven declined, with Apple Inc. being the lone exception. Nasdaq 100 futures pulled back 0.5%.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies weakened as the week neared a potentially volatile close, with $22 billion in large options expiries looming. The dollar held recent gains. Treasuries fluctuated, with the yield on 10-year notes remaining little changed at 4.15%.

Bullishness fueled by rate-cut anticipation and the artificial intelligence boom culminated last week when the Federal Reserve signaled a faster pace of easing to support a weakening jobs market. Since then, higher oil prices and caution from some officials have tempered the optimism amid a lack of clear catalysts.

Swaps currently imply around a 60% chance of two quarter-point US rate cuts for the rest of the year, down from 70% immediately after the Fed meeting. Policymakers penciled in two cuts in their projections.

Friday’s release of the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge may offer clues on the path ahead, with consensus forecasts pointing to a slower pace of price growth last month.

“Prosperity targeting being the new mantra of the Federal Reserve, doesn’t mean the central bank is inflation-blind,” said Florian Ielpo, head of macro research at Lombard Odier Investment Managers. “Markets, being addicted to Fed cuts, could experience a temporary hangover.”

The coming corporate reporting season could offer the next trigger for stocks to move higher. S&P 500 earnings are facing limited risk from any potential disappointment in AI spending, according to Barclays Plc strategists.

The team led by Venu Krishna said the AI theme is “on solid footing” as demand outpaces supply, even with major spending commitments.

“It would take a lot to derail this rally” Amundi SA Chief Investment Officer Vincent Mortier told Bloomberg News. “Whatever one may think about price-earnings ratios, the macro backdrop, geopolitics, fact is this market is technically well bought, notably by US retail.”

UK gilts slumped across the curve, as market jitters started to impact demand at government auctions ahead of November’s budget. The Swiss franc fell after the Swiss National Bank held its benchmark rate at zero.

Corporate News:

Starbucks Corp. said it will close stores and eliminate 900 jobs in a $1 billion restructuring effort as the company amps up a turnaround plan under new Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol.
Assicurazioni Generali SpA and BPCE SA have agreed to scrap a break-up fee should negotiations over their asset management merger fail.
The Qatar Investment Authority is partnering with Blue Owl Capital Inc. to finance and invest in data centers, marking the sovereign wealth fund’s latest bet on the booming artificial intelligence sector.
Eli Lilly & Co. has halted a study of an experimental drug designed to prevent obesity patients from losing too much muscle, citing strategic business reasons.
Hennes & Mauritz AB shares soared after the fashion retailer’s profit topped expectations, suggesting a focus on its core H&M brand and tight cost controls are helping its turnaround take hold.
New World Development Co., the distressed builder at the center of broader property woes in Hong Kong, secured a HK$3.95 billion ($508 million) loan backed by its crown jewel asset in the city, falling short of the high end of its initial target.
State Development and Investment Group Co. is considering selling its energy assets in the UK, which it operates through Edinburgh-based subsidiary Red Rock Renewables, according to people familiar with the matter.
Troubled auto-part supplier First Brands Group is preparing to file for bankruptcy as soon as next week and is looking to secure a loan of at least $1 billion to keep the business running while it reorganizes.
Intel Corp. has approached Apple Inc. about securing an investment in the ailing chipmaker, according to people familiar with the matter.

Some of the main moves in markets:

Stocks