HIGH CONCENTRATION RISK IN U.S STOCKS 2/3

07 Oct

HIGH CONCENTRATION RISK IN U.S STOCKS 2/3

The U.S. services sector remains the main engine of growth entering Q4, with the S&P Global Services PMI surging to 58.8 alongside a 54.9 ISM Services reading. Spending on dining, travel, and leisure has held firm despite inflation and depleted savings, while manufacturing also remains resilient with an ISM reading of 54.5. However, the ISM Services "prices paid" sub-component elevated at 74 underscores persistent price rigidity that complicates the Federal Reserve's rate path. Consequently, while private sector activity buffers against contraction, stubborn service costs present a lingering obstacle to rapid disinflation.

Key Points

  • Resilience in Q2 and controlled inflation absorption
  • Expected deceleration in GDP in Q3
  • Leading indicators are supported by the services sector
  • Regular downward revisions to job creation figures
  • The Fed rules out any preemptive rate cut
  • Inflation stabilizes at a high level over the summer
  • Rising volatility and bond yields
  • The Fed’s tightening reignites interest in the greenback
  • High concentration risk in equities