[Why the Nonfarm Payroll Report is Bad for Stocks and Good for Expected Bitcoin ETFs]
The latest figures show the average number of hours worked per week by labor force participants fell slightly from 34.4 hours to 34.3 hours, while average hourly wages rose 4.1% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate edged down from 62.8% to 62.5%.
The U.S. economy added 196,000 jobs last month, exceeding economists' expectations of 170,000 jobs. The growth reduces the likelihood of a quick rate cut by the Federal Reserve, especially as inflation approaches the Fed's 2% target. Before optimal employment conditions are reached, an early interest rate cut may push up wage growth, thereby driving inflation.
Yesterday's private employment data also showed employers hired more people in December.
Former New York Fed Chairman Bill Dudley said the market was overreacting after hearing Fed Chairman Powell's last speech. He also pointed out that the Federal Reserve may wait to cut interest rates, and the threshold for future interest rate increases is high. Former Federal Reserve System governor Randall Kroszner agrees. "Because the labor market remains strong and wage growth continues to be strong, the Fed may wait for the time being before cutting interest rates," he said.
While the latest jobs report did not have a big impact on the cryptocurrency market, the 10-year Treasury yield did rise and the 2-year Treasury yield rose 9 basis points to 4.88%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.4% on the day.
This bearish reaction is to be expected when it comes to stocks. Stocks had rallied ahead of the jobs data. Cryptocurrency traders, meanwhile, are anticipating the possible short-term impact that the approval of a Bitcoin ETF could have on the price of Bitcoin.
Fox Business News reported yesterday that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may begin approving a Bitcoin ETF this Friday. This is expected to satisfy institutional demand for Bitcoin packaged in regulated products. Investment giants BlackRock, ARK Invest, and 11 other firms are awaiting a decision from the SEC on their applications to issue spot Bitcoin ETFs.
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