Stocks stalled this Wednesday, after a week of mixed performance. Major indices dipped slightly as investors adopted a cautious approach ahead of the awaited inflation report scheduled for Thursday.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) and the S&P 500 (GSPC) both shed around 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) slipped nearly 0.4%. This follows a broader market correction witnessed in the closing days of February, as initial excitement surrounding the AI boom settled and investors were brought back to the reality of potentially sustained higher interest rates.
Investors are eagerly awaiting the release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index on Thursday. This key inflation metric will offer valuable insights into the Federal Reserve's potential timeline for initiating rate cuts. Early economic data released on Tuesday confirmed a slight downward revision in the final quarter GDP growth of 2023, settling at 3.2% compared to the initial estimate of 3.3%.
Bitcoin, Beyond Meat on Top
Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency market saw a huge upward swing. Bitcoin continued its exciting rally, surpassing $63,000 and inching closer to its all-time high. The recent launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs has been credited with propelling the digital asset towards levels not observed since late 2021.
Beyond Meat (BYND) came out as a standout performer this Wednesday, with its share price surging over 45%. This dramatic rise followed the company's unveiling of its turnaround strategy, triggering a short squeeze in the market.
While the immediate market direction remains uncertain, Thursday's inflation report will no doubt significantly influence investor sentiment and shape future trading activity.
