• Dec 18, 2024

Futures move higher in run-up to Fed rate decision

(Reuters) -U.S. stock index futures edged up on Wednesday, as markets eagerly awaited the Federal Reserve's final rate decision of the year and signals on whether policymakers will take a more cautious stance in 2025. The Fed is widely expected to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points at its meeting. With a rate cut broadly priced in, the Fed's summary of economic projections (SEP), which includes the "dot plot" of rate projections, and comments from Chair Jerome Powell will be in focus for indications on the rate path in 2025.

  • Dec 18, 2024

US stocks fall sharply and Dow tumbles 1,100 points after the Fed hints at just 2 rate cuts for 2025

U.S. stocks tumbled to one of their worst days of the year after the Federal Reserve hinted Wednesday it may deliver fewer shots of adrenaline for the U.S. economy in 2025 than earlier thought. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1,123 points, or 2.6%, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 3.6%. The Fed said Wednesday it’s cutting its main interest rate for a third time this year, continuing the sharp turnaround begun in September when it started lowering rates from a two-decade high to support the job market.