The Fed will release its June minutes this afternoon, potentially shedding some light on why they paused their rate hikes. But, thanks to plenty of Fedspeak – including Jay Powell’s testimony – we already know that they are as confused and conflicted as everyone else. As always, they are more concerned about markets than anything else.
Futures are off about 0.50% as we approach the open.
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May durable goods came in much higher than expected: +1.7% versus -1.0 consensus. Goods ex transportation also beat, at 0.6% versus 0.0% consensus. Suffice it to say these are not the data that support a continued pause, let alone a reversal.
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According to futures and talking heads, there’s a 94% chance that the Fed will pause its rate hikes this afternoon – though perhaps with a hawkish tilt. By our reckoning, equities have piled on at least 6% in the past few weeks in anticipation of this outcome.
Is it justified?
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Futures ramped up past a key Fib level overnight on hopes that the Fed will pause any further rate hikes this week. Will SPX follow suit?
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Initial claims spiked to levels not seen since October 2021, another indication of a slowing economy. Applications rose by 28,000 to 261,000, well above the consensus of 237K.
So far, futures have ignored the print.
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Non-farm payrolls exploded higher in May, tallying 339K versus 190K consensus. On the other hand, unemployment rose from 3.4% to 3.7%.
Futures initially slumped, as blowout job gains argue for further Fed tightening. But, VIX was hammered to lows of 15.12, a level not seen since Nov 2021, and the overnight ramp was salvaged, for now.
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Today marks the third day in a row that ES has backtested the former resistance at 4190ish. 
Just a reminder, these things don’t happen by accident.
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Yesterday’s 1.2% spurt higher was driven not only by the usual push in USDJPY and plunge in VIX, but a healthy dose of hopium regarding the debt ceiling crisis. Congressional and White House reps were nearly unanimous in declaring that a deal is as good as done.
Whether they’re speaking the truth or simply trying to avoid a market meltdown a la 2011 remains to be seen. 
Both SPX and ES saw a bullish 10/20 cross, but it could unwind if ES closes back below the former resistance at 4166. Keep on eye on the ever proficuous VIX, which usually triggers algos to buy any significant dips by breaking below support such as the purple channel bottom below.
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We’re starting to see cracks in the equities and bond markets related to the debt ceiling. Interest rates are ratcheting higher. And, although OPEX-related maneuvers are working to prop up stocks, we had a momentary breakdown in SPX yesterday.
Utilities, a bond proxy for some, have taken a big hit this week as investors shift into shorter-term, less volatile treasuries.
Which would you rather own, XLU with a beta of .56 and yield of 3.01% or a 6-mo Tsy paying 5.25%?
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After a brief respite, bank stocks are again under pressure with deposit flight and CDS both pointing to escalating concerns.
Neither the April CPI nor PPI prints support the notion that the Fed will lower rates any time soon – keeping the pressure on banks and an economy that depends on easy access to cheap credit.
Futures backed off the key 4166 threshold again yesterday, only to bounce back and test it again overnight.
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