Stocks Drift to Mixed Close as Inflation Report Signals Potential Rate Cut

Stock Market Update: Wall Street Ends Mixed After Inflation Report Sparks Rate-Cut Hopes

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks ended with mixed results on Wednesday as a recent inflation report raised expectations of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve next month.

The S&P 500 was nearly flat, inching up less than 0.1%, following its first decline since last week’s post-Election Day rally. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 47 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped by 0.3%.

Bond Market Reaction and Rate-Cut Expectations

The bond market also showed mixed results. Consumer inflation increased from 2.4% to 2.6%, as economists expected. However, “core inflation” (which excludes volatile categories like food and energy) remained steady, an indicator of long-term trends that economists say is more predictive. This stability strengthened expectations for a December rate cut.

“Bang in-line core inflation leaves the Fed on track to cut rates in December,” said Lindsay Rosner, head of multi-sector fixed income at Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

Since September, the Federal Reserve has gradually reduced interest rates from a two-decade high to support the job market and bring inflation near its 2% target. After the last rate cut in October, traders now see an 80% chance of a third cut in December, according to CME Group data.

Following the inflation report, the yield on the two-year Treasury fell to 4.27% from 4.34% on Tuesday. The 10-year Treasury yield, influenced by long-term growth expectations, initially dropped but eventually rose slightly to 4.45%.

Uncertainty for 2025 and Potential Economic Changes

Looking forward, questions remain regarding the Fed’s plans for 2025. Previous Fed forecasts indicated potential further rate cuts into next year, but Donald Trump’s recent election victory may change that trajectory. Trump’s support for lower taxes, higher tariffs, and reduced regulation could lead to increased government debt, higher inflation, and accelerated economic growth, potentially altering rate cut plans.

“While lower rates can boost the economy and stock prices, they can also fuel inflation,” noted Scott Wren, senior global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute. “The market may be at an inflection point, with inflation potentially turning upward.”

Stock Highlights

On Wall Street, Rivian Automotive surged 13.7% after it shared more details about its joint venture with Volkswagen Group, which could reach a total size of $5.8 billion, exceeding prior estimates.

In contrast, Spirit Airlines stock fell 59.3% after the company filed for debt renegotiation, which, if successful, could affect shareholder equity but protect employees and customers.

By the end of trading, the S&P 500 rose 1.39 points to close at 5,985.38. The Dow gained 47.21 points, reaching 43,958.19, while the Nasdaq declined by 50.66 points to finish at 19,230.74.

Global Markets and Cryptocurrency Movements

Internationally, Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.7% following a surge in wholesale inflation to its highest level since July 2022. South Korea’s Kospi fell 2.6%, affected by a significant decline in Samsung Electronics shares.

In the cryptocurrency space, Bitcoin crossed above $93,000 before pulling back below $90,000. President Trump has embraced cryptocurrencies, pledging to make the U.S. the global crypto capital. Meanwhile, Dogecoin (favored by Tesla’s Elon Musk) also pared earlier gains after Trump appointed Musk to head the “Department of Government Efficiency,” or “DOGE” for short.

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