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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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Market Predicts 50 Basis Point Rate Cut by BoC Amidst Weak Job Data

 

In a surprising turn of events, money markets are now heavily betting on an oversized 50 basis point rate cut by the Bank of Canada (BoC) next week, following today's disappointing jobs data. Analysts had anticipated a more conservative cut, but the weaker-than-expected employment figures have shifted expectations dramatically.

The BoC had previously cut interest rates by 50 basis points in October, bringing the rate down to 3.75%. This move was aimed at curbing inflation and supporting economic growth. However, today's job data revealed a sluggish labor market, with modest job layoffs and weak business hiring, particularly affecting young people and newcomers to Canada.

Economists are now predicting that the BoC will take a more aggressive stance to stimulate the economy, with a 50 basis point cut seen as necessary to maintain inflation at the 2% target and support economic recovery. The market's reaction underscores the growing concerns about the economic outlook and the need for more substantial measures to boost growth.

As the BoC prepares for its December rate decision, all eyes will be on the central bank to see if it follows through with the anticipated rate cut. The decision will have significant implications for borrowing costs and overall economic activity in Canada.



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