Key Takeaways
- The S&P 500 rose 1.2% on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, rebounding from last week’s selloff as inflation returns to the spotlight with Wednesday’s CPI report.
- Supermicro shares moved higher after a report from GlassHouse Research downplayed concerns about the server maker’s accounting processes.
- Airline stocks soared as BofA analysts highlighted positive industry trends, including capacity improvements and lower fuel costs.
Major U.S. equities indexes moved higher on Monday, recovering a portion of the steep losses posted last week amid signs of a slowing job market.
In the new trading week, inflation will likely come back into focus. Wednesday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) release will provide the last major gauge of price pressures before the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week.
The S&P 500, Dow industrials and Nasdaq posted nearly identical daily gains, with all three indexes ending Monday’s session approximately 1.2% higher.
Shares of Super Micro Computer (SMCI) jumped 6.1%, notching Monday’s top performance in the S&P 500. The stock recently came under pressure as short seller Hindenburg Research raised alarms about the server and data storage provider’s accounting practices. But a report published Monday b, GlassHouse Research, a forensic accounting firm specializing in pinpointing fraudulent activities by public companies, downplayed Hindenburg’s concerns.
Airline stocks moved higher following positive comments on the air travel industry from BofA Securities. According to analysts, the airlines are poised to benefit from moderating domestic capacity, stable demand, and reduced fuel costs. BofA also upgraded JetBlue (JBLU) stock to “neutral,” citing the carrier’s progress on its strategic initiatives, and JetBlue shares soared 7.2%. United Airlines (UAL) shares added 6% on the day, while Delta Air Lines (DAL) and American Air Lines (AAL) both advanced 3.9%.
Shares of human resources software provider Paycom Software (PAYC) were up 5.8%. With Monday’s strong performance, the stock clawed back from a string of losses posted last week amid reports of CEO Chad Richison selling more than $600,000 worth of company stock. In its most recent earnings report, released at the end of July, recurring revenue growth helped Paycom beat profit expectations, leading the company to lift its full-year guidance and boost its stock buyback plan.
Enphase Energy (ENPH) shares tumbled 5.2%, the biggest loss of any S&P 500 constituent. Although analysts have indicated that interest-rate cuts could benefit the solar technology firm’s international expansion plans, Enphase stock remains down more than 20% in 2024.
Humana (HUM) shares fell 3.9% after investment bank Leerink Partners highlighted risks to the “Star ratings” of certain health care plans run by the insurer. The ratings assigned by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services affect insurance providers’ eligibility for quality bonuses.
Shares of fragrance and personal care product retailer Bath & Body Works (BBWI) shares slipped 3.7%. The stock has been under pressure since the company lowered its sales guidance at the end of August, citing difficult consumer spending trends.