SPX: geopolitics shaping sentiment

Although the previous week on US equity markets started with a positive sentiment, still the newly emerged tensions in the Middle East turned the sentiment to the negative side. The S&P 500 was looking for higher grounds, after recently reaching the 6K level again, however, turning 1,13% to the negative territory on Friday, after the news regarding the Middle East tensions. The index is back below the 6K, closing the week at 5.976. While investors were digesting the risks from the Middle East tensions, tech companies were the ones that were mostly driving the index to the down side. NVDA dropped by 2,09%, AAPL was down by 1,38%. On the opposite side was TSLA, with a Fridays gain of 1,94%.

On the other hand, the macro fundamentals were relatively positive for the US economy. The inflation is clearly calming down, with the US inflation in May at 0,1%, which was better from market estimate. Also the University of Michigan Consumer sentiment preliminary for June showed decreased inflation expectation by US consumers, at 5,1% for this year, from 6,6% posted previously.

The most important event during the week ahead would be the FOMC meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, June 18th. The Fed will also discuss the economic projections. This would be a day to watch on financial markets as it can bring some higher volatility.