Macro Overview
U.S. equities rallied broadly on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve delivered a widely anticipated 25 basis point interest rate cut, signaling continued support for the economic expansion. The risk-on sentiment was evident across the board, with the S&P 500 (IVV) gaining +0.64% to close just shy of record highs. Small-cap stocks surged as lower rates boosted the outlook for domestic companies, while falling Treasury yields provided a tailwind for valuations.
U.S. Size & Style
Investors aggressively rotated into economically sensitive areas of the market, driving significant outperformance in small and mid-cap stocks compared to their large-cap peers. Value also trumped growth across all market capitalizations. Small Value (IJS) was the day’s standout performer, jumping +2.32%, while Large Growth (IVW) lagged with a modest +0.39% gain.
| Name (Ticker) | 1 Day | WTD | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Value (IVE) | +0.99% | 0.59% | 1.83% | 6.05% | 13.09% | 8.50% |
| Large Cap (IVV) | +0.64% | 0.26% | 0.89% | 5.72% | 18.46% | 15.49% |
| Large Growth (IVW) | +0.39% | 0.02% | 0.16% | 5.42% | 23.06% | 21.29% |
| Mid Value (IJJ) | +2.16% | 1.69% | 4.50% | 3.57% | 9.00% | 4.10% |
| Mid Cap (IJH) | +1.89% | 1.32% | 3.17% | 3.39% | 9.19% | 3.64% |
| Mid Growth (IJK) | +1.71% | 1.02% | 2.08% | 3.22% | 9.09% | 2.83% |
| Small Value (IJS) | +2.32% | 2.49% | 4.71% | 7.22% | 9.17% | 3.00% |
| Small Cap (IJR) | +1.97% | 2.02% | 4.18% | 5.90% | 8.83% | 2.14% |
| Small Growth (IJT) | +1.66% | 1.66% | 3.68% | 4.54% | 8.45% | 0.96% |
U.S. Sectors & Industries
Ten of the eleven GICS sectors finished in positive territory, led by cyclical heavyweights. Materials (XLB) and Industrials (XLI) rallied on growth optimism, while Financial (XLF) stocks were bolstered by a powerful move in regional lenders, with Regional Banking (KRE) surging +3.46%. Homebuilders (XHB) also jumped +3.06% as yields eased. Utilities (XLU) was the lone decliner, slipping -0.05% as investors rotated out of defensive plays.
| Sector (Ticker) | 1 Day | WTD | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (XLB) | +1.96% | 0.34% | 2.14% | -2.00% | 6.69% | -0.78% |
| Industrials (XLI) | +1.83% | 0.96% | 1.21% | 3.53% | 19.65% | 13.99% |
| Consumer Discretionary (XLY) | +1.47% | -0.02% | 0.19% | 2.99% | 7.41% | 3.87% |
| Health Care (XLV) | +1.45% | -0.73% | 3.30% | 11.29% | 12.05% | 7.46% |
| Financial (XLF) | +1.14% | 0.39% | 1.74% | 1.71% | 12.65% | 10.01% |
| Energy (XLE) | +1.05% | 0.57% | 2.22% | 4.53% | 10.50% | 5.75% |
| Communication Services (XLC) | +0.58% | -0.05% | 3.35% | 2.49% | 22.00% | 18.02% |
| Technology (XLK) | +0.48% | 1.45% | 0.65% | 10.25% | 28.52% | 26.86% |
| Consumer Staples (XLP) | +0.29% | -0.31% | 2.34% | -1.47% | 1.41% | -2.80% |
| Real Estate (XLRE) | +0.20% | -1.00% | -1.60% | -2.32% | 2.07% | -2.76% |
| Utilities (XLU) | -0.05% | -1.32% | -4.68% | 1.67% | 15.25% | 12.59% |
Global Thematic
Clean energy and payment themes led a diverse rally, with Solar (TAN) gaining +2.76% on the back of lower financing costs. Conversely, the crypto ecosystem struggled despite the risk-on mood, with Crypto Miners (WGMI) tumbling -3.20% as Bitcoin consolidated recent gains.
| Name (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change |
|---|---|
| Solar (TAN) | +2.76% |
| Wind (FAN) | +2.35% |
| Digital Payments (IPAY) | +1.90% |
| Water Resources (PHO) | +1.78% |
| Gold Miners (GDX) | +1.68% |
| Digital Media & Entertainment (ESPO) | -0.73% |
| Uranium & Nuclear Energy (URA) | -0.91% |
| Midstream & MLP RIC (MLPX) | -1.05% |
| Cannabis & Vice (CNBS) | -2.13% |
| Crypto Miners (WGMI) | -3.20% |
Developed Markets ex-U.S.
International developed markets participated in the global rally, with U.K. (EWU) leading the pack with a gain of +1.35%. Commodity-linked economies like Canada (EWC) and Australia (EWA) also performed well, rising +1.22% and +1.14%, respectively.
| Country (Ticker) | 1 Day | WTD | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dev ex-U.S. (EFA) | +1.11% | 0.66% | 1.21% | 4.39% | 29.75% | 25.39% |
| Australia (EWA) | +1.14% | 1.18% | -0.60% | -1.70% | 13.39% | 7.55% |
| Canada (EWC) | +1.22% | 0.81% | 5.56% | 8.70% | 34.19% | 28.86% |
| France (EWQ) | +0.84% | -0.09% | 0.88% | 3.92% | 27.06% | 24.64% |
| Germany (EWG) | +0.99% | 1.28% | 2.39% | 2.12% | 33.98% | 28.80% |
| Hong Kong (EWH) | +0.60% | -1.04% | -3.37% | 0.74% | 33.77% | 27.92% |
| Japan (EWJ) | +0.72% | 0.25% | 0.27% | 4.42% | 26.06% | 22.60% |
| Netherlands (EWN) | +0.43% | 0.43% | 0.41% | 9.31% | 33.93% | 29.61% |
| South Korea (EWY) | +1.23% | 2.60% | 1.13% | 26.22% | 90.12% | 83.75% |
| Switzerland (EWL) | +1.20% | 0.60% | 3.58% | 4.96% | 29.44% | 25.43% |
| U.K. (EWU) | +1.35% | 0.56% | 0.05% | 4.12% | 30.82% | 26.66% |
Emerging Markets
Emerging markets mirrored the global optimism, with South Africa (EZA) surging +1.90%. Asian markets were also strong, led by Taiwan (EWT) which gained +1.64%, while China (MCHI) posted a solid +0.75% advance. Mexico (EWW) was the notable laggard, dipping -0.33%.
| Country (Ticker) | 1 Day | WTD | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerging (EEM) | +1.12% | 0.73% | -0.67% | 6.98% | 33.11% | 28.57% |
| Brazil (EWZ) | +0.09% | 0.74% | 0.15% | 10.00% | 48.23% | 35.16% |
| China (MCHI) | +0.75% | -1.36% | -4.47% | -1.17% | 33.19% | 29.27% |
| India (INDA) | +0.17% | -1.13% | -1.46% | 0.38% | 1.37% | -3.17% |
| Indonesia (EIDO) | +0.96% | 0.21% | 1.67% | 8.83% | 4.80% | -4.97% |
| Malaysia (EWM) | +0.57% | -0.45% | 0.19% | 5.36% | 10.41% | 10.90% |
| Mexico (EWW) | -0.33% | 0.52% | 1.66% | 7.41% | 50.13% | 39.59% |
| South Africa (EZA) | +1.90% | 0.44% | 2.34% | 14.15% | 64.60% | 47.63% |
| Taiwan (EWT) | +1.64% | 2.22% | 1.60% | 6.78% | 29.06% | 27.91% |
| Thailand (THD) | +0.68% | 0.52% | -0.46% | 0.37% | 2.37% | -3.77% |
Fixed Income
Bond yields eased across the curve following the Fed’s announcement, providing relief to fixed income investors. International (IGOV) sovereign debt and yield-hungry Preferred Stock (PFF) led the gains, while credit-sensitive areas like Taxable High Yield (HYG) also outperformed as risk premiums tightened.
| Category (Ticker) | 1 Day | WTD | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International (IGOV) | +0.67% | 0.14% | -0.12% | -1.29% | 9.58% | 5.74% |
| Preferred Stock (PFF) | +0.66% | 0.65% | 0.22% | -0.88% | 5.02% | 2.22% |
| Mortgage Backed (MBS) | +0.43% | 0.09% | 0.30% | 1.02% | 8.01% | 6.08% |
| Taxable Long Term (BLV) | +0.43% | 0.14% | -0.22% | -0.11% | 7.06% | 1.96% |
| Emerging USD (EMB) | +0.41% | -0.09% | 0.39% | 2.37% | 13.36% | 10.44% |
| Government Long (SPTL) | +0.38% | 0.11% | -0.82% | -0.40% | 5.79% | 0.51% |
| Taxable High Yield (HYG) | +0.34% | -0.02% | 0.63% | 1.32% | 8.22% | 7.16% |
| Inflation Protected (TIP) | +0.33% | 0.00% | -0.13% | -0.28% | 6.96% | 5.11% |
| Corporate (SPIB) | +0.33% | 0.09% | 0.60% | 0.95% | 7.67% | 6.63% |
| Taxable Multisector (PYLD) | +0.33% | 0.03% | 0.59% | 1.53% | 9.04% | 8.25% |
| Taxable Core (AGG) | +0.32% | 0.07% | 0.27% | 0.64% | 7.07% | 5.23% |
| Taxable Core Enhanced (IUSB) | +0.30% | 0.06% | 0.25% | 0.77% | 7.26% | 5.54% |
| Emerging (EMLC) | +0.27% | 0.00% | 0.81% | 2.47% | 17.25% | 14.35% |
| Government Intermediate (SPTI) | +0.24% | -0.03% | 0.27% | 0.38% | 7.23% | 5.97% |
| Convertible (CWB) | +0.24% | 0.41% | -1.56% | 4.27% | 18.77% | 15.18% |
| Taxable Short-Term (BSV) | +0.20% | 0.06% | 0.38% | 0.83% | 5.66% | 5.46% |
| Municipal High Yield (HYD) | +0.18% | 0.15% | 0.51% | 1.66% | 2.15% | 1.23% |
| Government Short (SPTS) | +0.17% | 0.07% | 0.38% | 0.90% | 4.70% | 4.91% |
| Municipal Intermediate (MUB) | +0.17% | 0.06% | -0.01% | 1.63% | 3.37% | 2.05% |
| Bank Loans (BKLN) | +0.10% | 0.24% | 0.81% | 2.05% | 6.40% | 6.66% |
| Municipal Short (SUB) | +0.09% | 0.17% | 0.42% | 0.10% | 3.35% | 3.24% |
| Municipal Long (MLN) | +0.06% | 0.11% | -0.49% | 2.27% | 1.43% | -0.04% |
| Taxable Ultrashort (BIL) | 0.00% | 0.03% | 0.31% | 0.97% | 3.93% | 4.19% |
| International USD (BNDX) | -0.02% | -0.18% | -0.62% | 0.14% | 2.74% | 1.77% |
Commodities
Commodity markets ended mostly higher, supported by the dollar’s post-Fed weakness. Silver (SLV) and Copper (CPER) rallied strongly on improved industrial demand expectations. Energy also saw gains, with Natural Gas (UNG) advancing +1.13%.
| Commodity (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change | WTD | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Commodities (DJP) | +0.64% | -1.79% | 1.34% | 8.60% | 17.61% | 18.01% |
| Energy (DBE) | +0.94% | -2.51% | -2.57% | -1.65% | 1.70% | 6.57% |
| WTI Crude Oil (USO) | +0.97% | -1.92% | -1.59% | -5.58% | -6.63% | -1.20% |
| Brent Crude Oil (BNO) | +1.00% | -1.72% | -1.35% | -4.95% | -3.42% | 0.26% |
| Natural Gas (UNG) | +1.13% | -12.89% | 1.13% | 10.71% | -15.17% | 3.26% |
| Gasoline (UGA) | -0.25% | -2.45% | -5.22% | -0.74% | 2.49% | 5.40% |
| Precious Metals (DBP) | +0.38% | 1.46% | 5.88% | 20.76% | 65.24% | 60.06% |
| Gold (GLD) | +0.43% | 0.68% | 2.82% | 16.04% | 60.68% | 56.50% |
| Silver (SLV) | +1.63% | 5.89% | 22.45% | 49.88% | 112.95% | 93.41% |
| Platinum (PPLT) | -2.57% | 0.62% | 4.46% | 19.00% | 81.36% | 74.73% |
| Palladium (PALL) | -2.13% | 1.10% | 3.53% | 25.01% | 60.99% | 51.95% |
| Industrial Metals (DBB) | +0.77% | -0.89% | 2.11% | 11.65% | 17.93% | 13.41% |
| Copper (CPER) | +1.29% | -0.84% | 4.62% | 16.73% | 31.44% | 24.32% |
| Agriculture (DBA) | +0.34% | -0.11% | -0.45% | -2.65% | -0.38% | -0.01% |
| Corn (CORN) | -0.69% | -0.14% | -0.31% | 2.04% | -5.03% | -3.64% |
| Soybeans (SOYB) | +0.22% | -1.09% | -2.48% | 3.92% | 6.05% | 7.35% |
| Wheat (WEAT) | -0.68% | -0.92% | -3.71% | -0.92% | -14.90% | -16.29% |
| Sugar (CANE) | +1.26% | 0.55% | 4.68% | -9.29% | -15.80% | -22.26% |
Cryptocurrency
Digital assets delivered mixed results as investors digested the macro news. While Ethereum (ETHA) managed a +0.87% gain, other major tokens faced selling pressure, with XRP (XRP) sliding -2.49% to lag the complex.
| Asset (Ticker) | 1-Day % Change | WTD | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XRP (XRP) | -2.49% | 1.94% | ||||
| Solana (SOLZ) | -1.39% | 4.25% | -18.12% | -39.95% | ||
| Bitcoin (IBIT) | -0.68% | 3.55% | -12.79% | -18.66% | -1.06% | -4.39% |
| Multi-Coin (NCIQ) | -0.66% | 4.43% | -12.55% | -20.95% | ||
| Ethereum (ETHA) | +0.87% | 11.12% | -5.89% | -22.35% | 0.40% | -8.21% |
What to Watch Today
Investors will shift their attention this morning to the Initial Jobless Claims report, set to be released at 8:30 AM ET. Following yesterday’s rate cut, the market is hyper-sensitive to labor market data. A higher-than-expected claims number could reinforce the Fed’s dovish pivot and support yesterday’s rally, while a surprisingly low reading might reignite concerns that the economy is running too hot for sustained rate relief.
For a deeper dive into the data, access today’s full Daily ETF Data Pack.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. All investments, including ETFs, involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investors should consider their investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing.
This analysis was developed by the team at ETF Action. We leverage advanced AI tools to assist in the drafting and refinement of our content, based on our expert prompts, direction, and final review.
