What to Expect in the Markets This Week

Federal Reserve Insights: Investors are closely watching comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium on Friday. Following positive inflation and retail sales data, there’s speculation on potential rate cuts, but Fed officials have been vague. Powell's remarks may provide more clarity.

Democratic National Convention: Kamala Harris will speak on Thursday as the Democratic presidential candidate, a key event for political and market watchers alike.

Earnings Reports: Major companies reporting this week include Lowe's, Target, Palo Alto Networks, and Snowflake. Lowe’s and Target’s earnings will be particularly scrutinized after Walmart’s strong results and amid concerns about consumer spending. Tech investors will focus on Palo Alto Networks and Snowflake for insights into the cybersecurity and cloud data sectors.

Fed Commentary: Powell’s speech on Friday is anticipated to be a market-moving event, especially following the release of the July FOMC meeting minutes on Wednesday, which could shed light on the Fed's stance on future rate cuts.

Retail Earnings: Following July’s stronger-than-expected retail sales, earnings from Lowe’s, Target, and other retailers will be analyzed for signs of consumer strength or weakness.

Tech Sector Updates: Palo Alto Networks and Snowflake’s results will be important indicators of the health of the cybersecurity and cloud data industries, particularly given growing demand for AI-driven solutions.

Democratic National Convention begins
U.S. leading indicators (July)
Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller delivers remarks
Palo Alto Networks and Estee Lauder (EL) report earnings

Democratic National Convention continues
Fed Vice Chair Michael Barr and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic deliver remarks
Lowe’s reports earnings

Democratic National Convention continues
Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) July 30-31 meeting minutes
TJX Cos (TJX),
TJX Companies. “The TJX Companies, Inc. to Report Q2 FY25 Results August 21, 2024.”

Target, Snowflake, Zoom Video (ZM), Toll Brothers (TOL), and Macy’s (M) report earnings

Initial jobless claims (Week ending Aug. 17)
Existing home sales (July)
S&P Global flash U.S. services and manufacturing PMI (August)
Democratic National Convention concludes with remarks from presidential candidate Kamala Harris
Jackson Hole Economic Symposium begins
Intuit (INTU), TD Bank (TD), Workday (WDAY), and Ross Stores (ROST) report earnings

Fed Chair Powell delivers remarks at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium
New home sales (July)