Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signals possible rate cuts in 2024, sending real estate stocks soaring to outperform all other sectors in the S&P 500.
It’s shaping up to be a positive Thursday on Wall Street, with risk sentiment remaining robust after the Federal Reserve effectively opened the door to rate cuts in 2024.
The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged Wednesday, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledging the current rate is "likely at or near the peak of this tightening cycle."
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.
U.S. equity futures take a sharp downturn after unexpected strength in labor market, with traders questioning aggressive rate cut bets & traders adjusting expectations for a Fed rate cut in March 2024 to 49% chance.