The First Slice for Monday, February 10, 2025

Market Movers: Inflation, Interest Rates, and Earnings on the Radar

This week is shaping up to be big for investors, businesses, and anyone keeping an eye on the economy. The Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell, is set to testify before Congress, giving insight into the central bank’s stance on interest rates and inflation. Meanwhile, fresh inflation data drops midweek with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, alongside key pricing data for imports, exports, and wholesale goods. By Friday, retail sales numbers will reveal how American consumers handle rising costs and whether their spending habits have shifted.

Alongside these economic updates, corporate earnings will be rolling in from some of the biggest names across different industries. Fast-food giant McDonald’s will report on whether inflation has impacted foot traffic, while Coca-Cola’s update will shed light on whether consumer demand for beverages is strong. Shopify’s earnings will reveal how e-commerce is faring, and DoorDash’s report will show if its partnership with Home Depot has paid off. In the tech world, Cisco and Applied Materials will be under scrutiny as investors gauge whether the slowdown in China is affecting their bottom line.

Pharmaceutical companies like Moderna and Vertex Pharmaceuticals will also make headlines as they release their earnings, with investors eager to see how they navigate the post-pandemic landscape. Meanwhile, Robinhood and Coinbase’s reports will be exciting, given the volatile investing and cryptocurrency trading world. With inflation concerns still looming, the Fed’s stance on interest rates, paired with these corporate earnings, will help paint a clearer picture of where the economy is headed……….. [read more]