Traders are waiting this evening's Fed decision with trepidation, given the uncertainty around the size of today's expected rate cut, says Chris Beauchamp, Chief Market Analyst at online trading platform IG.
Markets on edge ahead of uncertain Fed moves
The tension is palpable across markets this afternoon, as they stand on the verge of the most unpredictable Fed meeting in recent memory, and one that seems to provide the most potential for volatility in some time. So many questions need to be answered that Powell will have a high bar to clear if he and his committee are to avoid some fairly dramatic moves in volatility coming days.
Can US markets hold their highs?
There are uncomfortable memories of 2007, when the Fed’s rate cut at the then record highs was followed up by renewed turmoil in financial markets. Powell, and many investors, will be hoping the market follows 1995 instead. The situation seems much more like the latter than the former case, but so much of this cycle has been out of the ordinary that no one can rest too easy thinking about the outcome.
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