Flat Stock Markets to Start a New Trading Week

Market Overview - Market participants began the trading week without a clear catalyst, resulting in flat trading with the Dow down 14 points (-0.03%) and the S&P 500 down 1 point (-0.02%) [1] - The Nasdaq saw a slight gain of +0.03%, while the small-cap Russell 2000 outperformed with a +0.35% increase [1] Homebuilders Confidence - Homebuilders Confidence for August decreased to 32, lower than the expected 34 and matching June's level, which is the lowest since December 2021 [2] - Homebuilders are increasing incentives for new home sales to a five-year high due to weak demand and elevated mortgage rates [2] Interest Rate Outlook - No interest rate cuts are expected from the Federal Reserve until at least September 17, with a projected cut of 25 basis points [3] - This potential cut would bring the Fed funds rate below 4% for the first time in 2.5 years [3] Upcoming Housing Data - Upcoming housing data includes Housing Starts and Building Permits for July, expected to be slightly lower at 1.30 million and 1.39 million, respectively [4] - Existing Home Sales are anticipated to improve to 4.0 million from 3.93 million reported last month [4] Earnings Results - Palo Alto Networks reported fiscal Q4 earnings of 95 cents per share, exceeding the consensus of 88 cents, with revenues of $2.54 billion surpassing expectations of $2.50 billion [5] - Following the positive earnings report, Palo Alto Networks shares jumped +7% [5] - Fabrinet also reported Q4 earnings of $2.65, beating consensus by a penny, with revenues of $909.7 million exceeding the expected $883.1 million [6] - Despite positive guidance, Fabrinet shares fell -1.5% after a year-to-date gain of +48% [6]