THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF THIS WEEK 🚨On 24th October, US CPI data will be released despite the US government shutdown.The expectations for US CPI is 3.1%, while the previous data came at 2.9%.Why is this important?As we know, the Fed decides its monetary policy based on inflation and unemployment.The jobs market is already screwed and calling for more rate cuts.Also, the FOMC meeting is happening next week, which means the Fed will be closely watching the CPI data.If CPI comes lower than expected, expect ...

Inflation Data Analysis - Headline CPI came in below expectations at 27%, while core CPI, excluding food and energy, was higher than anticipated at 31% [1] - Markets focused on the headline CPI number, leading to an equities rally and a drop in 2-year yields [2] Monetary Policy Outlook - Weak unemployment data reported on August 1st raised concerns about disinflation [2] - Prior to the CPI release, Fed funds futures priced in an 82% chance of a 25 basis point cut at the September 17th FOMC meeting [3] - Post CPI release, the probability of a 25 basis point cut at the September 17th FOMC meeting surged past 90%, with markets pricing in 60 basis points of easing by the end of 2025 [3] - PPI data on August 14th and retail sales data on August 15th are expected to provide a clearer picture of the Fed's coming moves [3]

Market Trends & Geopolitical Impact - Oil prices initially surged to their highest level since January but pulled back following signals from Iran about de-escalating tensions and potential nuclear talks [1][18][20][21] - Defense stocks continued to climb amid the Israel-Iran conflict, though analysts suggest investor behavior is more of a "safe haven" move than a direct correlation to company bottom lines [1][70][71][72] - The Paris Air Show is expected to be muted due to the ongoing conflict and a recent Air India crash, with Boeing CEO skipping the event [59][61] Economic Indicators & Fed Policy - The market is shifting focus to Fed policy, earnings, and factors impacting the earnings picture, with the FOMC meeting being a key event [5][8] - There's discussion around the potential for a dovish Fed pivot, driven by inflation being cooler than in 2019 when the Fed last cut rates [35][36] - Real-time housing inflation is falling, suggesting the official measure has room to decline, potentially signaling a green light for the Fed to turn dovish [38][39] Company Specific & Sector Analysis - Meta is introducing ads to WhatsApp, focusing on user data for targeting but aiming to avoid content analysis, with the bigger opportunity being the race to artificial general intelligence [44][45][47] - Reddit is launching AI-driven advertising tools, leveraging human engagement data to inform generative AI and improve ad targeting [50][51] - Victoria's Secret is facing pressure from activist investors to overhaul the board and focus on the core bra business, while also navigating consumer spending habits and recent leadership changes [53][56][57] - China is stimulating its consumer market to offset export dependency, with Apple being a notable loser as domestic brands like Huawei gain market share [76][78][79][80] Global Investment Strategies - There's a potential shift in global equity leadership away from the US, with capital repatriation expected to benefit Europe, Asia, and emerging markets [87] - The US dollar showed no reaction to market surprises, and there was no rally in treasuries, indicating a lack of appetite for US assets [84][85] - TPW Advisory is overweight Chinese equity, favoring US-listed ETFs, and constructive on a global growth cycle extending through 2027-2028 [82][83] AI & Technology - AI is a major theme at the Can Lions International Festival of Creativity, with discussions on how it's changing the advertising and media industries [95] - Time Inc is embracing AI, launching Time AI with Scale AI to create personalized content and audio versions of their journalism [96][97][98][101][102] - Hyperscalers are investing heavily in the race to artificial general intelligence, even without knowing the ultimate prize [48] Energy Sector - Energy stocks may present an opportunity, as they have diverged from oil price trends and offer potential dividends [105][106] - AI's energy demands are creating a large energy problem, with hyperscalers investing in creative solutions like "behind the meter" energy sources [16][17] - Gas prices are still about 33 cents a gallon below last year, and diesel prices hit their lowest level since 2021 prior to Middle East escalations [23][32][33]