Personal Consumption Lags, U.S. Stocks Open Higher

The first hour of business has been kind to U.S. stocks, with both the DJIA and S&P 500 posting nice rallies.

Written by: Dime Levov • Tuesday, July 31, 2018 • 1 min read

• Last updated: Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Today marks the final trading session of July and a triple-digit positive open for the DJIA. The first hour of business has been kind to U.S. stocks, with both the DJIA and S&P 500 posting nice rallies. It appears that traders are receptive to risk, completely disregarding the lagging Core Personal Consumption Expenditures numbers released during the pre-cash open.

A Look At Core Personal Consumption

On the heels of last week’s 4.1% GDP figure, a majority of traders expected to see growing consumption. This was not the case, as the metrics came in on the low side:

Event Actual Projections

Core Personal Consumption (MoM, June) 0.1% 0.1%

Core Personal Consumption (YoY, June) 1.9% 2.0%

Personal Consumption (MoM, June) 0.1% 0.1%

Personal Consumption (YoY, June) 2.2% 2.3%

The headliner of this group is the 1.9% underperformance of Core Personal Consumption (YoY, June). While this statistic came in the same as the previous release, it still disappointed expectations. The result has been an about-face from traders, with equities and the USD experiencing very little ill-will.

DJIA Technicals

The DJIA is back on the bull after a tough Monday session. At press time, September E-mini DOW futures are reflecting the positive sentiment with values firmly north of 25,000.

September E-Mini DOW Futures (YM), Daily Chart

Bottom Line: The bulls have dug their heels in at the Current Wave 38% Fibonacci retracement (25320) area. This is a key level moving forward. If it holds as downside support, then the Swing High at 25572 will be challenged in coming sessions.

For now, buying a pullback from the 38% retracement is not a bad way to join the action. With a concrete stop beneath Monday’s low at 25263, a long position from 25320 offers solid entry in anticipation of a bullish challenge of the Swing High (25572).