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Wall Street Pauses as Fed Meeting Looms: Futures Hold Steady

U.S. stock futures were little changed on Tuesday as investors awaited the start of the Federal Reserve’s final policy meeting of the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures all hovered near flat, reflecting a cautious mood across Wall Street. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but traders are focused on Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the central bank’s updated economic projections. Markets are looking for clues on when rate cuts might begin in 2024, with inflation cooling but still above the Fed’s long-term target. Recent gains in equities have been fueled by optimism that the Fed’s tightening cycle is over, yet uncertainty remains about how quickly monetary policy will shift toward easing. Until then, investors appear content to hold their positions, waiting for clearer signals from the Fed before making bold moves.

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S&P/TSX Composite Hits New Highs: Canadian and U.S. Markets Rally



On March 21, 2024, the S&P/TSX composite index achieved a remarkable milestone, closing atnew all-time high. Simultaneously, U.S. markets continued their upward trajectory, setting records of their own.

Key Highlights:

  1. Canadian Market Surge:

    • The S&P/TSX composite index gained 41.55 points, reaching 22,087.26. This surpasses its previous record of 22,087.22 set in March 2022.
    • Tech and financial stocks played a pivotal role in driving this surge, reflecting investor confidence in these sectors.
  2. U.S. Market Momentum:

    • Across the border, U.S. markets also soared:
      • The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 306.46 points, closing at 39,818.59.
      • The S&P 500 index rose by 30.20 points, reaching 5,254.82.
      • The Nasdaq composite surged 97.44 points, closing at 16,466.85.
  3. Commodity Prices:

    • The Canadian dollar traded at 73.93 cents US, slightly higher than the previous day.
    • Crude oil experienced a dip, with the May contract down 91 cents at US$80.36 per barrel.
    • Natural gas also declined, with the May contract down four cents at US$1.81 per mmBTU.
    • Gold bucked the trend, rising by US$17.40 to US$2,178.40 per ounce.
    • Copper remained stable, down just a penny at US$4.05 per pound.

In summary, both Canadian and U.S. markets are riding high, fueled by optimism and robust economic indicators. Investors are closely monitoring developments as we navigate these record-breaking times.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making investment decisions.

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