US open: Stocks slide ahead of big tech earnings

US futures

Dow futures -0.62% at 31313

S&P futures -0.26% at 3777

Nasdaq futures -0.23% at 11400

In Europe

FTSE -1% at 6950

Dax -1.2% at 12782

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US consumer confidence data due

After two days of solid gains, US stocks are heading lower on Tuesday as investors digest the latest batch of earnings and as they look ahead to big tech earnings which kick off after the close today.

Stocks rose yesterday after a fourth straight monthly decline in business activity, which fueled hopes that the Fed’s aggressive hikes to cool the economy was taking effect. This, in turn raised hopes that the Fed could soon start to ease back on the pace of rate hikes.

Looking ahead, US consumer confidence data is due later and is expected to show that morale fell again in October to 106.5, down from 108 in September.

All eyes will then turn to the start of big tech earnings, with Microsoft and Alphabet set to be under the spotlight. Big tech is often looking at for clues surrounding the broader economy, such as the health of the consumer.

If SNAP was the canary in the coal mine, investors may be worried about the impact that inflation is having on advertising revenue growth. Advertising spending is usually one of the first areas to see cuts when recession fears rise.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is expected to post the slowest revenue growth in over five years.

Corporate news:

UPS is rising 3.5% pre-market after reporting a rise in Q3 adjusted profit. Higher delivery prices helped to offset weakening e-commerce demand.

General Motors rallied 4.7% pre-market after the automaker reported a stronger-than-expected quarterly profit and reiterated its full-year outlook.

Where next for the S&P500?

The S&P has extended its recovery from the 2022 low, out of the multi-week falling channel and above the 20 sma, but has stalled around the 3800 level. The RSI above 50 keeps buyers hopeful of further upside. A rise over 3800 exposes the 50 sma at 3860, before brining 3900 round number into play. Should sellers successfully defend 3800, the price could fall to 369 the 20 sma, before re-entering the falling channel.

FX markets – USD rises, GBP rises

The USD is rising after three days of declines amid softening expectations for Fed rate hikes. Following the report in the WSJ, plus comments from San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly, which fuelled bets of a dovish pivot, investors sold out of the greenback. Today yields on the 10-year treasury are edging lower again but remain over 4%.

EUR/USD is falling after German IFO business sentiment remained gloomy in October, dipping to 84.3, down from 84.4. The IFO President said that the German economy facing a difficult winter. The data painted a similar picture to that of the PMI yesterday.

GBPUSD is rising as Rishi Sunak becomes next Prime Minister. The former Chancellor has a mammoth task ahead of him as he tackles the mounting economic crisis facing the UK and his warring political party. In his first speech he said that economic stability and confidence is at the heart of his agenda. So far the markets have stabilised, trusting in the fiscally prudent leaders. Gilt yields have fallen.

GBP/USD  +0.4% at 1.1320

EUR/USD  -0.14% at 0.9860

Oil falls ahead of inventory data

Oil prices are falling for a second straight day as fears over slowing economic growth hurt the demand outlook. Disappointing PMI data across the board raised concerns of a recession.

With supply and demand fundamentals holding steady for now, economic sentiment is the driving force. Much of the deteriorating economic outlook has likely been priced in so prices could find a floor around these levels.

Looking ahead, oil inventory data is due later and is expected to rise by 200,000 barrels in the week to 21^st October. High levels of inventory could drag the price lower.

WTI crude trades +1.4% at $83.90

Brent trades +1.03% at $90.70

Learn more about trading oil here.

Looking ahead

21:30 API oil stockpile data