Wall Street Holds Its Breath as Indexes Hover Near Record Highs

U.S. stock futures remained largely unchanged on Wednesday, with investors cautiously optimistic as the S&P 500 edged closer to its all-time high. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped slightly by 0.1%, while the Nasdaq 100 futures inched up 0.2%, buoyed by recent tech sector gains.

Market sentiment was lifted by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks to Congress, suggesting that interest rate cuts could come “sooner rather than later.” His testimony set the stage for Friday’s release of the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report, which could further influence monetary policy expectations.

Geopolitical developments also played a role in calming markets. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel appeared to be holding, reducing immediate concerns over Middle East tensions.

With the S&P 500 now within a whisper of its record high, investors are watching closely for any signals that could push the market into uncharted territory—or send it retreating.