Key Takeaways
- The S&P 500 edged higher on Monday, July 15, 2024, as investors weighed the shifting political environment and the Fed chair reiterated optimism on declining inflation.
- Energy was the top-performing sector as increased odds of a Trump election victory boosted the outlook for policies favorable to oil and gas companies.
- SolarEdge Technologies announced workforce reductions as it deals with excessive inventory, pressuring shares across the solar power industry.
Major U.S. equities indexes moved higher to start a new trading week that will feature earnings reports from key financial institutions and companies like Netflix (NFLX) and UnitedHealth (UNH).
Monday’s stock-market strength came as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell struck an optimistic tone about recent indications of slower inflation in comments at the Economic Club of Washington.
The session coincided with the opening day of the Republican National Convention, with investors evaluating the possible market implications of Saturday’s attempted assassination of GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump and the announcement of Ohio Sen. JD Vance as the party’s vice-presidential nominee.
The S&P 500 added 0.3%, just below its record closing high on Wednesday. The Dow gained 0.5%, setting a closing record for the first time since May 17. The tech-heavy Nasdaq was up 0.4%.
Political violence over the weekend boosted stocks related to security and companies that could benefit from a second Trump administration. Shares of Axon Enterprise (AXON), a manufacturer of law enforcement devices, surged 5.5%, leading the S&P 500.
Shares of cloud-based HR software provider Paycom Software (PAYC) jumped 5.2% after positive comments from Zacks Equity Research. Analysts highlighted the company’s attractive value, dividend payouts, and lack of debt.
Energy was the top-performing sector on Monday amid higher probabilities of a Trump election victory, boosting expectations for favorable policies for oil and gas companies. Shares of oil exploration firm APA Corp. (APA) rose 5%. Shares of oilfield services companies also posted notable gains.
Greater confidence in Trump retaking the White House lifted some energy companies, though the shifting political landscape pressured renewable energy companies. Shares of green energy utility AES Corp. (AES) plunged 10%, suffering the steepest losses of any S&P 500 constituent.
Beyond the unfavorable political outlook for renewables, losses spread across the solar power industry after Israel-based SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) announced it would lay off 400 employees due to excessive inventory and a slowdown in Europe’s solar markets. SolarEdge shares plummeted 15%, while shares of U.S.-based solar panel manufacturer FirstSolar (FSLR) sank 8.5%.
Shares of luxury lifestyle firm Ralph Lauren (RL) fell 5.8%. Although the apparel designer has been focusing on enhancing its digital and direct-to-consumer sales, the company faces macroeconomic challenges and elevated operating expenses.
Original Story at www.investopedia.com