Wall Street Holds Steady Ahead of Fed’s Key Rate Decision

 

U.S. stock futures opened the week on a cautious note as investors brace for the Federal Reserve’s final policy meeting of 2025. Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures hovered near the flatline early Monday, reflecting a wait-and-see attitude across Wall Street.

The muted trading comes after two consecutive weeks of gains for major indexes. Last week, the Dow rose 0.5%, the S&P 500 added 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.9%, buoyed by softer inflation data. The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, showed core prices rising just 0.2% month-on-month, reinforcing expectations that policymakers will move forward with another rate cut.

Markets are now overwhelmingly betting that the Fed will deliver a third straight quarter-point cut during its December 9–10 meeting. Confidence in easing has surged, with futures pricing in a high probability of lower borrowing costs. Investors believe this move could help sustain momentum in equities, particularly as the S&P 500 sits less than 1% below its all-time high.

Beyond the Fed, traders are also watching for corporate earnings reports and other economic releases this week, which could provide further clues about the health of the U.S. economy. Global central banks are monitoring the Fed’s decision closely, given its potential ripple effects across international markets.

In short, Wall Street is pausing after recent gains, with all eyes on the Fed’s rate announcement. A cut could reinforce optimism heading into year-end, while any surprise decision may test investor confidence.