Fed response to slowing inflation has driven a strong equity rally but further gains will depend on whether the Fed pushes back against rate cut expectations.
Stocks remain in rally mode, with early Wednesday futures indicating a modestly higher opening. The Federal Reserve’s rate decision day is here, creating a fidgety mood until the post-meeting policy statement is released.
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report revealed headline inflation easing slightly, core prices holding steady, and no major surprises to influence Fed decisions.
Economists predict a marginal decrease in the annual CPI inflation rate from October's 3.2% to 3.1%. Core CPI rate is expected to hold steady at 4%. Sector-specific ETFs experienced notable changes with TAN, KRE, XLRE, ARKK and GDX leading the pack.
Wall Street is showing cautious gains as the new week begins, despite thetech giants often referred to as the “Magnificent 7” all trading in the red: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Microsoft Corp.