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Wall Street Edges Higher as Fed Rate Cut Decision Looms

U.S. stock futures were mixed but leaning higher on Monday as investors braced for a pivotal Federal Reserve policy meeting later this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose about 0.2%, S&P 500 futures held near flat, and Nasdaq 100 futures dipped slightly after the tech-heavy index notched a fresh record last week. The rally has been fueled by growing expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates on Wednesday, with traders pricing in a 96% chance of a quarter-point reduction and a slim possibility of a larger 50-basis-point move. A cooling labor market — with unemployment at 4.3% and job growth slowing — has strengthened the case for policy easing. Tech stocks remain in focus, with Nvidia sliding over 2% after China’s antitrust regulator said the chipmaker violated competition laws. The news comes amid high-level U.S.-China trade talks in Madrid, adding a layer of geopolitical uncertainty to market sentiment. Despite the cautious tone, optimism around artifici...
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Stock Market Today: Record Highs as Fed Signals Delay in Rate Cuts



Investors rejoiced today as Wall Street surged to new heights, building upon a record-setting rally. The Federal Reserve’s recent signals of delaying but not slowing down rate cuts fueled the market’s optimism.

Key Highlights:

  1. Fed’s Decision: The Federal Reserve announced its decision to keep interest rates steady, but with a twist. It expects to cut rates three times this year, providing a boost to investor confidence.

  2. Reddit’s IPO: Social media giant Reddit (RDDT) made its public debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today. Priced at $34 per share, the company is now valued at nearly $6.5 billion.

  3. Market Rally: All three major indices – the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), Nasdaq Composite (IXIC), and S&P 500 (GSPC) – closed at new highs. The S&P 500 surpassed the 5,200 level, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite moved up 0.9%.

  4. Inflation Concerns: Despite sticky inflation data, the Fed maintained its outlook for three rate cuts in 2024. Policymakers remain committed to their easing strategy.

  5. Gold Soars: Gold prices (GC=F) jumped to a record above $2,200 an ounce, reflecting investors’ confidence in the Fed’s approach.

  6. AI Growth and Beyond: While AI growth continues to boost tech stocks, other market drivers are likely to come into focus in the coming weeks.

  7. Swiss National Bank’s Move: The Swiss National Bank surprised markets by lowering interest rates, signaling confidence that tightening has peaked in leading economies.

With the next Fed policy meeting scheduled for May, investors will closely monitor economic indicators and corporate developments. As Reddit joins the NYSE, and Micron (MU) shares surge, the market remains dynamic and full of opportunities.

Stay tuned for more updates as the stock market continues its upward trajectory.


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