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Fed Decision Day: Oil Tops $108, Bond Yields Hit a 19-Year High — What It Means for Your Money

  All eyes are on Washington today. The Federal Reserve wraps up its two-day policy meeting this afternoon, and markets are pricing in roughly a 90–93% chance of a 25-basis-point hike — what would be the first rate increase of this cycle, as energy-driven inflation forces central banks around the world to reverse course. It comes after a rough session on both sides of the border: the TSX slipped to a one-week low, Wall Street logged its sixth decline in seven sessions, and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield touched 5.04% — its highest level since 2007 — as oil held near four-month highs above $107 a barrel. Here's what moved markets overnight, and what today's decision could mean for your mortgage, your grocery bill, and your portfolio. 🇨🇦 TSX: Second Straight Decline The S&P/TSX Composite closed Tuesday at 35,582.07 , down 120.46 points (-0.34%) — its second straight losing session and lowest close in about a week. Energy was the lone bright spot as crude prices surged,...

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Nasdaq Lags as Markets Take a Breather


In today’s trading session, US stocks reversed gains late in the day, signaling a pause in the record-setting run that has characterized Wall Street during the first quarter of 2024. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Nasdaq Composite: The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite, which had been on track for a record close, dipped approximately 0.4% as the session concluded. Tech stocks faced headwinds, contributing to the overall decline.

  2. S&P 500: The broader S&P 500 index also retreated, falling nearly 0.3%. Investors closely monitored economic data releases, including durable goods orders and the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index.

  3. Durable Goods Orders: In February, durable goods orders rebounded by 1.4%, driven by increases in transportation equipment and machinery orders. This positive data reflects economic resilience.

  4. Home Price Index: The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index rose 6% in January compared to the previous year, marking the highest annual increase since 2022.

  5. Consumer Confidence: The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index remained relatively stable at 104.7 for March. However, the “Expectations Index,” which gauges consumers’ short-term outlook, dipped to 73.8, potentially signaling a future economic downturn.

  6. Upcoming Event: All eyes are on Friday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE), a crucial indicator of inflation. Investors eagerly await insights into “core” PCE growth, which the Federal Reserve closely monitors.

  7. Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.: Former President Donald Trump’s social media company made its Wall Street debut after merging with Digital World Acquisition Corp. Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (DJT) surged, finishing the day up 16%.

As the week progresses, keep an eye on economic indicators and corporate developments. The stock market remains dynamic, and investors should stay informed to navigate these fluctuations effectively. 

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