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Global rally extends into Fed decision [Video]

Another record day for the S&P 500, fueled by strong earnings and the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) looming policy easing. Last quarter, S&P 500 companies grew earnings by ~13%, yet exclude Big Tech, growth was only 3 4%. A third of the index is dominated by Big Tech, with Nvidia alone accounting for ~8%, creating an ecosystem that keeps tech-heavy indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq in demand even amid economic weakness. Google jumped 4%, hitting a $3T valuation, driven by AI momentum and news it doesn’t need to divest Chrome. Nvidia held ground despite China’s antitrust headlines.

Now investors are watching the Fed: as much as four 25-bp rate cuts are expected at four next meetings, supporting risk appetite, while small and mid-cap companies, cyclicals and Asian equities are also enjoying the ride. Will the Fed follow through? Will political pressure show in the dot plot? And how will markets react?

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Ipek Ozkardeskaya

Ipek Ozkardeskaya began her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of the Swiss Banque Cantonale Vaudoise. She worked in HSBC Private Bank in Geneva in relation to high and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

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