Stocks nudge upwards due to weak PPI data, as the ‘Magnificent Seven’ tests the previous 2021 record highs. What factors are influencing market movements on Wednesday?

U.S. stocks continued to rise on Wednesday, building on gains from the previous week, where there were two reports of low inflation. On Tuesday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped unexpectedly, and on Wednesday, the Producer Price Index (PPI) also fell more than anticipated. Despite these negative reports, the retail sales data for the month showed a smaller decrease than expected. Traders are now predicting that the Federal Reserve will maintain steady interest rates in December and make four rate reductions next year. This change in rate expectations has led to an increase in the value of major tech stocks. The group known as the ‘Magnificent Seven’, which includes Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, NVIDIA, and Tesla, has reached its peak levels last seen at the end of 2021. Additionally, the House has approved a temporary spending bill that extends government funding until mid-January. In terms of trading, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average both rose, while the Nasdaq 100 slightly underperformed. Small caps also saw an increase, with the Russell 2000 up following significant gains on Tuesday.