The First Slice for Monday, July 29, 2024

This week is set to be a whirlwind for the financial markets, with major events lined up that could shake things up. First and foremost, the Federal Reserve is about to announce its decision on interest rates. All eyes will be on this announcement, with many experts predicting that rates will stay put at 5.25% to 5.5%. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will address the media afterward, offering insights into future economic directions.

In addition to the Fed’s big moment, investors will be glued to the earnings reports from several high-profile companies. Tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Meta Platforms are all on deck to reveal how their businesses have been performing. Microsoft’s recent cloud revenue surge and Meta’s mixed forecasts will be closely scrutinized. Meanwhile, Apple and Amazon will provide updates on their continued growth strategies, especially in cloud services and advertising.

The energy sector isn’t left out of the spotlight this week either. ExxonMobil and Chevron are both set to report their quarterly results, following some disappointing performances in previous quarters. Alongside them, other energy titans like BP and Shell will release their earnings earlier in the week.

The week will also see reports from consumer-facing companies like McDonald’s and Starbucks, shedding light on consumer spending trends. McDonald’s will continue its $5 value meal promotion, responding to customers’ reactions to high prices. Meanwhile, Boeing, making headlines for a different reason, will report its earnings following recent legal troubles over safety issues.

As we navigate through these events, the central focus will be on how these various reports and decisions reflect broader economic trends and what they might signal for the future……….[read more]