S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq Directional Fate Tied to CPI After NFP Selloff

Major indices fell quickly after an in-line US employment data as the print increased the likelihood of a 75-basis point rate rise to almost 100%, per Fed funds futures and overnight index swaps (OIS). Fed funds futures had an 87.8% likelihood of a 75-bps raise at the November 02 FOMC before the NFP. After the story hit the wires, those chances rose to 96%.

The policy-sensitive 2-year yield increased by around eight basis points during the New York trade day as Treasury rates increased throughout the curve. Given that rates are at multi-year highs, which typically drive investment into the "virtually risk-free" securities, the lack of demand for government bonds is raising concerns for some investors.

Due to a holiday on Monday, the US bond market will be closed, which might increase market volatility. The auction program for later next week includes sales of 3-year, 10-year, and 30-year Treasury bonds totaling around $90 billion. Even if a modest desire for debt is predicted, these auctions might provide valuable knowledge. This might result in higher yields and more pressure on stocks.

However, the consumer price index (CPI) for the United States is the market event with the largest visibility for both equities dealers and the international financial system. All eyes are on Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, and what they have planned for the future. Analysts predict that core inflation, which includes food and energy, will increase from the previous year to 6.5%. It's easy to understand the CPI inflation figures in this case: A print that is higher than anticipated would probably cause the market to decline even more, supporting the Fed's stance against inflation, while a print that is lower than anticipated will probably have the opposite impact.