The upcoming week is set to be a crucial one for investors, with major events and announcements that could have a significant impact on the market. Central banks, including the Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan, are scheduled to meet to discuss monetary policy and interest rates. This will be closely followed by the release of the August U.S. Retail Sales report, which is expected to show a slight decline on a month-over-month basis but solid year-over-year numbers.
Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Decision
The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is one of the most anticipated events of the week. As of now, futures trading suggests a 57% probability of a 25-point rate cut and a 43% probability of a 50-point cut. Analysts are closely watching for any signals from the Fed regarding future rate cuts and the overall state of the U.S. economy. Chairman Jerome Powell is expected to acknowledge higher downside risks but maintain a soft-landing base case for the economy.
Impact on FedEx Earnings
One of the key earnings reports to watch out for is from FedEx (FDX), which is expected to report its FQ1 earnings on September 19. Analysts are predicting revenue of $22.0 billion, with key topics for the earnings call including guidance updates, expectations for the holiday season, and the implications of the end of the USPS contract. Options trading implies a 7% swing in share price after the report is released, with high trading correlations expected with companies like United Parcel Service (UPS) and Expeditors International (EXPD).
Salesforce Event
Another major event on the calendar is the Dreamforce event hosted by Salesforce (CRM). This high-profile event will feature talks from industry leaders like Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su, FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam, and Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis. Investors will be looking for insights into the future direction of these companies and the overall market trends.
Earnings Reports
In addition to FedEx, other companies like General Mills (GIS), Lennar (LEN), Darden Restaurants (DRI), and FactSet Research (FDS) are scheduled to turn in their earnings reports. These reports will provide valuable insights into the performance of these companies and their outlook for the future. Analysts will be closely watching for any surprises or key announcements that could impact the market.
Investor Conferences
The week will also see a flurry of investor conferences and meetings, including the Denver Gold Forum, where companies like Equinox Gold and Coeur Mining are scheduled to present. Microsoft will hold a special event discussing the next phase of innovation, while the KeyBanc Capital Markets Energy Transition Symposium will feature companies like Ballard Power Systems and First Solar. These events will offer valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in these industries.
Dividend Updates
Investors should also keep an eye on companies with upcoming ex-dividend dates, including AIG, Iron Mountain, Broadcom, and DICK’s Sporting Goods. Companies like Graphic Packaging, Microsoft, and Starbucks are forecasted to increase their quarterly dividend payouts, providing additional value for investors. Dividend stocks remain a popular choice for many investors looking for stable returns in uncertain times.
Overall, the upcoming week is packed with events and announcements that could have a significant impact on the market. From central bank meetings to earnings reports and investor conferences, there will be plenty of opportunities for investors to stay informed and make informed decisions about their portfolios. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on these key events as they unfold.
