This is a high-stakes, high-pressure week for markets as the final days of July approach. Between Wednesday, July 30, and Friday, August 1, all the market-moving fundamentals are concentrated in a three-day window. It’s a stress test for the U.S. equity market: either it extends its bullish trend, or it enters a much-needed consolidation phase.
Three days. No more. Catalysts are so tightly packed they could shake even the steadiest traders. We’re looking at a full-spectrum stress test—monetary, economic, and geopolitical. Why so crucial? Because every major macro driver is converging in an ultra-condensed timeframe: the trade deal deadline with U.S. partners, the Fed’s policy decision, GAFAM earnings, PCE inflation, the NFP jobs report, Q2 GDP figures, and key technical barometers—all as we enter the seasonally weaker August-September period.
1) Wednesday, July 30 – The Monetary Moment of Truth
The week opens with a critical event: the Fed’s monetary policy meeting. It’s not just about rates, but forward guidance. The market stands at a crossroads. Either the Fed signals a dovish pivot for late 2025, and risk appetite returns—or it delays action, and the S&P 500, already stretched (Shiller PE Ratio back to end-2021 levels), enters a correction.
At the same time, GAFAM kick off their earnings season. U.S. tech remains the market’s beating heart. If these giants disappoint, the sector will drag down the entire market. Remember, tech accounts for 35% of the S&P 500’s weight.
2) Thursday, July 31 – PCE Inflation Decides the Direction
Next up is the Fed’s preferred inflation metric: core PCE. A critical indicator. If inflation ticks up, the autumn rate-cut narrative falls apart. Add in the second estimate of Q2 GDP and earnings from the next GAFAM batch, and Thursday becomes a pivotal day for the S&P 500. The key question: will core PCE inflation rebound, possibly influenced by tariff impacts?
3) Friday, August 1 – The Verdict: NFP and Trade Talks
NFP jobs report + trade negotiation deadline = explosive combo. By Friday, markets will have priced in the Fed, inflation, and earnings. What’s left? U.S. labor. Weak numbers could revive recession fears. Strong ones might push back the Fed’s easing timeline.
Also on the radar: trade talks. The August 1 deadline could spike volatility. And let’s not forget the China-specific deadline on Tuesday, August 12.
Conclusion: No Room for “TACO”
There’s no margin for error. No room for “TACO” (Trump Always Chickens Out). This market must deliver across the board—or the current overvaluation will be left with no safety net. The July 30 week is a true fundamental stress test. And the consequences will be swift.
DISCLAIMER:
This content is intended for individuals who are familiar with financial markets and instruments and is for information purposes only. The presented idea (including market commentary, market data and observations) is not a work product of any research department of Swissquote or its affiliates. This material is intended to highlight market action and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. If you are a retail investor or lack experience in trading complex financial products, it is advisable to seek professional advice from licensed advisor before making any financial decisions.
This content is not intended to manipulate the market or encourage any specific financial behavior.
Swissquote makes no representation or warranty as to the quality, completeness, accuracy, comprehensiveness or non-infringement of such content. The views expressed are those of the consultant and are provided for educational purposes only. Any information provided relating to a product or market should not be construed as recommending an investment strategy or transaction. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Swissquote and its employees and representatives shall in no event be held liable for any damages or losses arising directly or indirectly from decisions made on the basis of this content.
The use of any third-party brands or trademarks is for information only and does not imply endorsement by Swissquote, or that the trademark owner has authorised Swissquote to promote its products or services.
Swissquote is the marketing brand for the activities of Swissquote Bank Ltd (Switzerland) regulated by FINMA, Swissquote Capital Markets Limited regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), Swissquote Bank Europe SA (Luxembourg) regulated by the CSSF, Swissquote Ltd (UK) regulated by the FCA, Swissquote Financial Services (Malta) Ltd regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, Swissquote MEA Ltd. (UAE) regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, Swissquote Pte Ltd (Singapore) regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Swissquote Asia Limited (Hong Kong) licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Swissquote South Africa (Pty) Ltd supervised by the FSCA.
Products and services of Swissquote are only intended for those permitted to receive them under local law.
All investments carry a degree of risk. The risk of loss in trading or holding financial instruments can be substantial. The value of financial instruments, including but not limited to stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and other assets, can fluctuate both upwards and downwards. There is a significant risk of financial loss when buying, selling, holding, staking, or investing in these instruments. SQBE makes no recommendations regarding any specific investment, transaction, or the use of any particular investment strategy.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. The vast majority of retail client accounts suffer capital losses when trading in CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Digital Assets are unregulated in most countries and consumer protection rules may not apply. As highly volatile speculative investments, Digital Assets are not suitable for investors without a high-risk tolerance. Make sure you understand each Digital Asset before you trade.
Cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in some jurisdictions and are subject to regulatory uncertainties.
The use of Internet-based systems can involve high risks, including, but not limited to, fraud, cyber-attacks, network and communication failures, as well as identity theft and phishing attacks related to crypto-assets.
Three days. No more. Catalysts are so tightly packed they could shake even the steadiest traders. We’re looking at a full-spectrum stress test—monetary, economic, and geopolitical. Why so crucial? Because every major macro driver is converging in an ultra-condensed timeframe: the trade deal deadline with U.S. partners, the Fed’s policy decision, GAFAM earnings, PCE inflation, the NFP jobs report, Q2 GDP figures, and key technical barometers—all as we enter the seasonally weaker August-September period.
1) Wednesday, July 30 – The Monetary Moment of Truth
The week opens with a critical event: the Fed’s monetary policy meeting. It’s not just about rates, but forward guidance. The market stands at a crossroads. Either the Fed signals a dovish pivot for late 2025, and risk appetite returns—or it delays action, and the S&P 500, already stretched (Shiller PE Ratio back to end-2021 levels), enters a correction.
At the same time, GAFAM kick off their earnings season. U.S. tech remains the market’s beating heart. If these giants disappoint, the sector will drag down the entire market. Remember, tech accounts for 35% of the S&P 500’s weight.
2) Thursday, July 31 – PCE Inflation Decides the Direction
Next up is the Fed’s preferred inflation metric: core PCE. A critical indicator. If inflation ticks up, the autumn rate-cut narrative falls apart. Add in the second estimate of Q2 GDP and earnings from the next GAFAM batch, and Thursday becomes a pivotal day for the S&P 500. The key question: will core PCE inflation rebound, possibly influenced by tariff impacts?
3) Friday, August 1 – The Verdict: NFP and Trade Talks
NFP jobs report + trade negotiation deadline = explosive combo. By Friday, markets will have priced in the Fed, inflation, and earnings. What’s left? U.S. labor. Weak numbers could revive recession fears. Strong ones might push back the Fed’s easing timeline.
Also on the radar: trade talks. The August 1 deadline could spike volatility. And let’s not forget the China-specific deadline on Tuesday, August 12.
Conclusion: No Room for “TACO”
There’s no margin for error. No room for “TACO” (Trump Always Chickens Out). This market must deliver across the board—or the current overvaluation will be left with no safety net. The July 30 week is a true fundamental stress test. And the consequences will be swift.
DISCLAIMER:
This content is intended for individuals who are familiar with financial markets and instruments and is for information purposes only. The presented idea (including market commentary, market data and observations) is not a work product of any research department of Swissquote or its affiliates. This material is intended to highlight market action and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. If you are a retail investor or lack experience in trading complex financial products, it is advisable to seek professional advice from licensed advisor before making any financial decisions.
This content is not intended to manipulate the market or encourage any specific financial behavior.
Swissquote makes no representation or warranty as to the quality, completeness, accuracy, comprehensiveness or non-infringement of such content. The views expressed are those of the consultant and are provided for educational purposes only. Any information provided relating to a product or market should not be construed as recommending an investment strategy or transaction. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Swissquote and its employees and representatives shall in no event be held liable for any damages or losses arising directly or indirectly from decisions made on the basis of this content.
The use of any third-party brands or trademarks is for information only and does not imply endorsement by Swissquote, or that the trademark owner has authorised Swissquote to promote its products or services.
Swissquote is the marketing brand for the activities of Swissquote Bank Ltd (Switzerland) regulated by FINMA, Swissquote Capital Markets Limited regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), Swissquote Bank Europe SA (Luxembourg) regulated by the CSSF, Swissquote Ltd (UK) regulated by the FCA, Swissquote Financial Services (Malta) Ltd regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, Swissquote MEA Ltd. (UAE) regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, Swissquote Pte Ltd (Singapore) regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Swissquote Asia Limited (Hong Kong) licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Swissquote South Africa (Pty) Ltd supervised by the FSCA.
Products and services of Swissquote are only intended for those permitted to receive them under local law.
All investments carry a degree of risk. The risk of loss in trading or holding financial instruments can be substantial. The value of financial instruments, including but not limited to stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and other assets, can fluctuate both upwards and downwards. There is a significant risk of financial loss when buying, selling, holding, staking, or investing in these instruments. SQBE makes no recommendations regarding any specific investment, transaction, or the use of any particular investment strategy.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. The vast majority of retail client accounts suffer capital losses when trading in CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Digital Assets are unregulated in most countries and consumer protection rules may not apply. As highly volatile speculative investments, Digital Assets are not suitable for investors without a high-risk tolerance. Make sure you understand each Digital Asset before you trade.
Cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in some jurisdictions and are subject to regulatory uncertainties.
The use of Internet-based systems can involve high risks, including, but not limited to, fraud, cyber-attacks, network and communication failures, as well as identity theft and phishing attacks related to crypto-assets.
This content is written by Vincent Ganne for Swissquote.
This content is intended for individuals who are familiar with financial markets and instruments and is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice.
This content is intended for individuals who are familiar with financial markets and instruments and is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.
This content is written by Vincent Ganne for Swissquote.
This content is intended for individuals who are familiar with financial markets and instruments and is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice.
This content is intended for individuals who are familiar with financial markets and instruments and is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.