Weekly Summary: 12 December 2024 – Inflation, Markets, and Tech Developments
Thursday 12 December 2024
CPI Data & Tesla's Robotaxi Set to Rock Markets
Amid causes for uncertainty and volatility coming from many directions, the markets could be in for an interesting week. Let’s take a look at what may be in store for the week of 7 October:
U.S. Economic Data
The Consumer Price Index’s (CPI) latest reading will hit the markets on Thursday, 10 October. The CPI, the Federal Reserve’s favoured measure of inflation, could influence whether interest rates are cut following the FOMC’s next summit.
Economists predict headline inflation will have risen by 2.3% year-over-year in September, down from 2.5% in August. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, is expected to hold steady at 3.2%. These trends will influence the Fed’s future policy decisions, with inflation's trajectory remaining a key focus.
Furthermore, the latest U.S. jobs report, released Friday 4 October, has alleviated concerns of a rapid deterioration in the labour market. Perhaps easing expectations of a significant Federal Reserve rate cut, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the U.S. economy added 254,000 jobs in September, surpassing the forecasted 150,000. Additionally, revisions to July and August payroll data showed an extra 72,000 jobs than previously reported. The unemployment rate also dropped by 0.1%.
As a result, economists argue that the chances of a half-percentage-point rate cut in November are diminishing. Some analysts are now suggesting that a smaller 25-basis-point cut, or even maintaining rates at their current level, may now be more likely.
Tesla’s Big Reveal
Electric vehicle industry leader Tesla (TSLA) could send waves across global markets following its widely-anticipated Robotaxi Day event on 10 October. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long promoted autonomous vehicles as a pivotal part of the company’s future, suggesting that the technology could greatly increase Tesla’s value. Thursday, Musk is expected to reveal further details about the Robotaxi fleet he has been discussing for years. However, there is widespread caution regarding its near-term impact on the business.
While the concept of Robotaxis has the potential to transform Tesla's business model, many believe it may still be years away from becoming a profitable venture. The technology and infrastructure required to support autonomous taxi fleets are still developing, and the operational costs, including maintenance, charging, and insurance, remain high.
Tesla’s entry into the autonomous taxi market would place it in competition with established players like Google’s (GOOG) Waymo, which already operates self-driving taxis in several U.S. cities. Despite these challenges, Tesla supporters argue that the company has a significant advantage due to its existing data from millions of drivers. While the timeline for a fully operational fleet remains uncertain, autonomous vehicles are seen as a potential long-term revenue driver for Tesla, contributing significantly to its future growth.
Conclusion
In the coming week, both the U.S. Consumer Price Index and Tesla’s Robotaxi Day event have the potential to shape market movements. Inflation data will provide key insights into the Federal Reserve's next policy steps, while Tesla’s autonomous vehicle plans could redefine its future, adding complexity to already volatile market conditions. Investors will have to wait and see how these factors play out.
