Equity markets rebounded last week, and the rally may continue this week. A combination of easing fear, easing inflation and better-than-expected earnings reports is why. The S&P 500 gained over 3.25% for the week in a high-conviction move that could reach the 4,200 level soon. The risk for traders is that resistance at the 4,200 will cap gains until later in the year.
This week will be driven primarily by the economic data. There are few earnings reports on the calendar but multiple economic events. Most of those are centered on the labor market and could point the way toward the Fed's next move. If the labor market shows signs of weakness or deterioration, the committee may have no choice but to hold back on the next interest rate hike. Until then, inflation remains hot despite the cooling indicated in last week's data.