Stock market today: S&P, Dow mostly flat as world awaits Fed decision

Published On Sep 17, 2024, 3:15 PM

Stock markets are showing little movement as investors await a significant policy decision from the Federal Reserve which is expected to include an interest rate cut. Key indices like the Dow and S&P 500 are fluctuating around flat, but the Nasdaq is slightly up. Market sentiment is divided over whether the Fed will implement a 0.5% or a 0.25% rate cut, with increasing confidence that the economy may achieve a 'soft landing' without a serious recession. Additionally, retail sales data exceeded expectations, further complicating the Fed's decision-making process.

Stock Forecasts

Due to the favorable sentiment around tech stocks and strong retail sales data, particularly with Intel's recent deal with Amazon increasing demand for its AI chips, I predict a positive outlook for Intel.

Microsoft's buyback announcement and increased dividend payout should bolster investor confidence and positively influence its stock price in the near term.

Given the high price-to-book ratios and signs of overvaluation in the homebuilder segment, I expect that the SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF may face downward pressure in the near term, particularly if economic conditions worsen post Fed's rate decision.

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