According to CNBC, momentum stocks staged a sharp rebound Thursday and the iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) rose 5.5% before adding another 1.1% on Friday, even though it is still on pace for one of its worst months ever, down nearly 12% in July. Technical analyst Rob Ginsberg of Wolfe Research said the next few days will be crucial, warning that a stall and reversal would show the trade is not yet out of danger. Investors are also awaiting a packed week of economic data and earnings, including July nonfarm payrolls, which FactSet consensus estimates show rising by 87,500 after 57,000 the previous month, with the unemployment rate seen edging up to 4.3% from 4.2%. RBC Capital Markets strategist Lori Calvasina reiterated her 8,150 S&P 500 price target and said recent volatility has created some opportunities, while noting that August and September are historically weak months for stocks.
