Market Pullback After 9-Week Rally: Rates, Middle East Tensions, and the Fed’s Next Move
Brian Szytel of The Bahnsen Group recaps a broad market sell-off (Dow -620, S&P -0.7%, Nasdaq -0.9%) after nine straight weeks of gains, noting there was no major new catalyst beyond slightly higher rates, higher oil, and ongoing Middle East tensions involving the U.S. and Iran. Year-to-date performance remains positive (Dow ~+6%, S&P ~+10%, Nasdaq ~+15%), and economic data was generally strong, including better-than-expected ADP private payrolls (122 vs. 110) and solid services readings. He highlights continued resilience in labor demand and some increased entry-level and AI-related hiring. Historically, nine-week winning streaks have often been followed by positive returns over 3, 6, and 12 months, though higher 10-year yields around 4.50% could cap risk assets. He adds the Fed may need to raise rates later this year if inflation stays high despite strong employment, while oil futures imply prices returning to the 70s over time.
00:00 Market Snapshot
00:37 Why Stocks Sold Off
01:25 Economic Data Check In
01:54 Jobs and AI Hiring Buzz
03:07 Nine Week Rally Context
04:15 Rates and Fed Outlook
05:10 Oil Inflation and Wrap Up
05:41 Disclosures
Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com
Brian Szytel is the Co-CIO and Senior Managing Director of The Bahnsen Group.
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