Markets Take a Break from Setting New All-Time Highs

Market Overview - Major indexes experienced a decline, ending a seven-day winning streak for the S&P 500, with the Dow down 91 points (-0.20%), S&P 500 down 25 points (-0.38%), Nasdaq down 155 points (-0.68%), and Russell 2000 down 25 points (-1.02%) [1] - Bond yields also retreated, with the 10-year yield at 4.13% and the 2-year yield at 3.57% [1] AI Trade Concerns - There is growing skepticism regarding the sustainability of the AI trade, with questions about whether the current market multiples are justified or if the market is in a bubble [2] Gold Market - Gold prices surpassed $4,000 for the first time, closing at $3,981 per troy ounce, reflecting a +0.76% increase [3] - The rise in gold prices is viewed as a hedge against potential market volatility, particularly as the S&P 500 reached new all-time highs [3] Consumer Credit Trends - Consumer credit saw a significant decline to $363 million in August, down from a $16.0 billion increase the previous month, and well below expectations of $14.0 million [4] - The decline is attributed to deteriorating credit quality, rising credit card balances, and increased delinquencies, with revolving credit down -5.5% year over year [4] Economic Indicators - The data indicates a softening U.S. economy, characterized by a weakening labor market and rising inflation costs, contributing to the pullback in consumer credit [5] - No major economic reports are scheduled for release, and the government shutdown is expected to limit new data availability [6] Federal Reserve Insights - The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) recently cut rates by 25 basis points, bringing the Fed funds rate to 4.00-4.25% for the first time in three years [7] - The next FOMC meeting is anticipated to discuss further rate cuts, although the lack of government reports due to the shutdown complicates the outlook [8]