Headline: S&P 500 Rebounds as Shutdown Risk Recedes; Focus Turns to NFP, CPI and Fed Path
After a sharp wobble driven by hawkish repricing and overnight funding stress, U.S. stocks regained their footing as expectations grew for an end to the government shutdown. With key macro data set to return to the calendar, investors are recalibrating rate expectations ahead of the December FOMC meeting.
The market’s recovery stems from receding shutdown risk and improved risk appetite, with the S&P 500 effectively reversing last week’s losses. The end of the shutdown restores the flow of critical U.S. indicators—most notably nonfarm payrolls and CPI—which will likely determine whether the Federal Reserve signals a December rate cut. Stronger-than-expected data could revive hawkish pricing and pressure equities, while softer prints would bolster rate-cut odds and support further gains.
From a technical perspective, the S&P 500 rebounded off a major uptrend support on the daily chart, keeping the broader bullish structure intact. Buyers are eyeing a push toward record highs, though resistance near prior peaks may invite profit-taking. On shorter timeframes, momentum has cooled into a tight range, suggesting a “wait-and-see” setup ahead of data. A decisive break above recent highs could trigger momentum buying and a run toward new all-time highs, while a downside break through near-term support would expose the index to a pullback toward the primary trendline.
Key Points: – Stocks rebounded as shutdown concerns eased, helping the S&P 500 erase last week’s losses. – Return of key U.S. data (NFP, CPI) will shape December FOMC rate-cut expectations. – Strong data may spur hawkish repricing and weigh on risk assets; soft data likely supports equities. – Daily chart shows a bounce from major trendline support, preserving the broader uptrend. – Short-term price action is rangebound; breakout above recent highs favors upside continuation. – A break below near-term support risks a pullback toward the primary trendline.
