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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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Tariff Tensions Shake Premarket as Inflation Data Looms

                                         

U.S. futures are exhibiting notable jitters in premarket trading following President Trump’s latest warning on imposing additional tariffs on countries that levy duties on U.S. imports. The renewed threat is adding to an already volatile atmosphere, with investors bracing for the imminent release of key inflation data later this morning.

Market participants are expressing heightened caution as the tariff threat intensifies trade policy uncertainty. “The prospect of extra tariffs not only disrupts global supply chains but also compounds inflationary pressures,” said one market strategist. Many fear that protectionist measures could fuel higher consumer prices, especially in sectors already under pressure from rising costs.

U.S. futures for major indices—the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq—are showing mixed movements as traders weigh the potential economic fallout. The dollar has strengthened modestly, reflecting a flight to safety amid concerns over policy unpredictability and persistent inflation. Investors are closely watching upcoming economic reports, including the Producer Price Index, which could offer further insights into the inflationary trend.

With President Trump signaling that any country imposing duties on U.S. goods might face reciprocal tariffs, experts warn that such measures could trigger a broader trade war. This would not only escalate global economic tensions but also undermine the Federal Reserve’s efforts to maintain price stability. For now, traders remain alert, anticipating that the forthcoming inflation data could significantly influence both market sentiment and future monetary policy decisions.

As uncertainty persists, analysts advise investors to proceed with caution and keep a close eye on how these policy moves, alongside the inflation readings, may shape the trading day ahead.

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