Global Stocks Drop as Higher Bond Yields Weigh; Health Insurers, Tesla Lead Declines

Equity markets have slumped this morning, with key indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, and Nasdaq 100 plunging to 1-1/2 week lows. Rising bond yields, particularly the 10-year T-note yield which hit a 4-month high, are weighing down stocks. The market is less optimistic about the likelihood of a Fed rate cut, with only a 7% chance priced in for the next FOMC meeting. While some overseas markets are mixed, with the Euro Stoxx 50 and Shanghai Composite closing lower, the Nikkei Stock Index edged higher.

Global Equity Markets Experience Moderate Decline; Higher Bond Yields Impact Stocks

The S&P 500 Index (SPY) opened lower this morning, losing 1.02% of its value. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA) followed a similar trend, falling by 1.09%, while the Nasdaq 100 Index (QQQ) experienced a more pronounced decline of 1.47%.

This retreat marks a slide to 1-1/2 week lows for all three major indices. Higher bond yields have significantly influenced the decline in stock prices. Today, the 10-year Treasury note (T-note) yield reached its highest point in four months. This negative carryover stemmed from Monday's strong performance by the US Mar ISM Manufacturing Index, which expanded at its fastest pace in 1-1/2 years. This economic indicator has dampened the outlook for potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed).

Currently, the markets estimate a 7% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut at the next FOMC meeting scheduled for April 30th - May 1st. However, the probability rises to 60% for the subsequent meeting on June 11th - 12th.

Overseas Markets Exhibit Mixed Performance

European stock markets presented a mixed picture today. The Euro Stoxx 50 Index fell by 0.78%, retreating from its 23-year high. In Asia, China's Shanghai Composite Index closed marginally lower by 0.08%. Conversely, Japan's Nikkei Stock Index rose slightly, gaining 0.09%.

Interest Rates Continue to Rise

June 10-year T-notes (ZNM24) experienced a decline of 13 ticks this morning. However, the 10-year T-note yield rose by 7.8 basis points to 4.387%. T-note prices fell to their lowest level in two weeks for nearest-futures contracts. The 10-year T-note yield, meanwhile, reached a four-month high of 4.403%.

T-notes continue to face pressure due to carryover from Monday's strong Mar ISM Manufacturing Index and Mar ISM Prices Paid Sub-Index readings, both of which reached 1-1/2 year highs. These hawkish economic indicators suggest that the Fed may postpone the commencement of rate cuts. Additionally, rising inflation expectations are further weighing on T-note prices, as today's 10-year breakeven inflation rate reached its highest level in 1-1/2 weeks, climbing to 2.372%.

European government bond yields also demonstrated an upward trend. The 10-year German Bund yield climbed to a 1-1/2 week high of 2.425%, marking an increase of 12.5 basis points to stand at 2.422%. Similarly, the 10-year UK Gilt yield rose to a two-week high of 4.089%, representing a gain of 15.5 basis points to reach 4.088%.

Revised Economic Data and Inflation Expectations in the Eurozone

The Eurozone Mar S&P Manufacturing PMI was revised upward by 0.4 points to 46.1, from its previously reported value of 45.7. However, inflation expectations in the region showed mixed signals. ECB Feb 1-year inflation expectations declined from 3.3% in January to 3.1%, marking the lowest level in two years. On the other hand, Feb 3-year inflation expectations remained unchanged at 2.5%, surpassing expectations of a decrease to 2.4%.

German Mar CPI (EU harmonized) rose by 0.6% on a month-over-month basis and 2.3% on a year-over-year basis, falling short of expectations of 0.7% and 2.4%, respectively.

Notable Movers in US Stock Market

Health insurance companies faced significant pressure today after US regulators failed to increase payments for private Medicare plans as anticipated. Humana (HUM), with its higher exposure to this segment, led the decline in the S&P 500, falling by more than 10%. Other major insurers, including CVS Health (CVS) and UnitedHealth Group (UNH), also suffered losses of over 6% and 5%, respectively, contributing to the decline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

PVH Corp (PVH) witnessed a drop of over 22% after announcing a projected 6-7% decline in 2025 revenue, contrasting with last year's 2% growth. Verve Therapeutics (VERV) experienced a sharp decline of more than 31% following safety concerns raised about its gene-editing treatment for high cholesterol, leading to a pause in patient enrollment.

Tesla (TSLA) led the Nasdaq 100 lower with a loss of over 5%. The automaker reported Q1 vehicle deliveries of 386,810, significantly below the consensus estimate of 449,080. Autodesk (ADSK) also fell by over 3% after it delayed filing its 10-K annual report due to an internal investigation into its cash flow and margin practices.

Rising 10-year T-note yields, a bearish factor for housing demand, impacted homebuilding stocks today. As a result, Lennar (LEN), PulteGroup (PHM), DR Horton (DHI), and Toll Brothers (TOL) all lost more than 4% in value.

Cryptocurrency-linked companies retreated in today's trading session, as the price of Bitcoin dropped by more than 6% to a one-week low. Coinbase Global (COIN), MicroStrategy (MSTR), Marathon Digital (MARA), and Riot Platforms (RIOT) each fell by over 5%.

Biomea Fusion (BMEA) experienced a decline of over 15% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to neutral from overweight, citing preliminary data from a diabetes trial.

Conversely, energy stocks and energy service providers gained ground today, supported by a rise in the price of WTI crude oil by over 1% to a 5-1/4 month high. Occidental Petroleum (OXY) led the gainers in the S&P 500 with an increase of more than 2%. Chevron (CVX) also made gains, leading the Dow Jones Industrial Average with an increase of more than 1%. Additionally, Exxon Mobil (XOM), Phillips 66 (PSX), ConocoPhillips (COP), and Valero Energy (VLO) all rose by over 1%.

Roivant Sciences Ltd (ROIV) climbed by over 6% after its board authorized a share repurchase program worth up to $1.5 billion. Olema Pharmaceuticals (OLMA) gained over 1% after Goldman Sachs initiated coverage with a buy recommendation and a price target of $24.

McCormick & Co (MKC) and Estee Lauder (EL) also experienced gains of nearly 1% and over 1%, respectively, following upgrades by Argus Research and Citigroup.

Mining stocks gained today, benefiting from a record high in gold prices and 1-1/2 week highs in copper and silver prices. Freeport McMoRan (FCX), Newmont (NEM), and Southern Copper (SCCO) all increased by over 0.5%.

Earnings Reports Expected on April 2nd, 2024

Several companies are expected to release their earnings reports on April 2nd, 2024, including:

• Cal-Maine Foods Inc (CALM)
• Dave & Buster's Entertainment (PLAY)
• DZS Inc (DZSI)
• Paychex Inc (PAYX)