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Fed Poised for Rate Cut, Signals Limited Easing Ahead

                                                          US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut interest rates at its upcoming meeting, marking a shift in monetary policy aimed at supporting economic growth amid cooling inflation and slowing demand. While markets have anticipated a series of reductions, policymakers appear cautious, with signals suggesting only one additional cut may be on the horizon for next year. This measured approach reflects the Fed’s balancing act: easing financial conditions to sustain momentum while avoiding overstimulation that could reignite price pressures. Investors are closely watching the central bank’s language for clues on the trajectory of borrowing costs, as households and businesses continue to navigate a delicate economic environment....
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Dow Jones Industrial Average Closes at Second-Straight Record High as Big Tech Kicks Off Earnings

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed at a second-straight record high on Tuesday, as quarterly earnings from big tech companies were released and economic data showing ongoing labor market strength was digested. The Federal Reserve also kicked off its two-day meeting on Tuesday.

Microsoft, Alphabet, and AMD kicked off the earnings season for big tech with better-than-expected quarterly earnings. The trio’s earnings come just ahead of earnings from Amazon, Apple, and Meta due later this week. Collectively, the market capitalization of Alphabet, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Meta accounted for the bulk of S&P 500’s 24% gain in 2023.

In other tech news, Super Micro Computer rose more than 3% after the data center hardware maker reported second-quarter results that topped Wall Street estimates amid a boost from artificial intelligence-led demand.

General Motors’ stock rose nearly 7% after the auto giant provided investors with an upbeat outlook for 2024 and signaled more capital could be returned to shareholders.

The U.S. Labor Department’s latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, a measure of labor demand, showed job openings in December climbed to 9.03 million, above economists’ estimates of 8.75 million. The ongoing signs of labor market strength arrived on the heels of data showing consumer confidence jumped to a 2-year high. The duo of reports, signaling economic strength, pushed 2-year Treasury yields higher, as investors bet that the data will likely encourage the Fed to maintain its higher-for-longer rate regime as the central bank kicked off its two-day meeting.


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