High volatility is expected this week. The FOMC decision on Wednesday at 2:00 PM EDT, with a 25bps rate cut widely anticipated, and Powell's 2:30 PM EDT presser are paramount amidst an ongoing government shutdown impacting data releases and creating market uncertainty. Thursday's 8:30 AM EDT GDP data is critical, with growth forecasts already subdued for 2025. Core PCE inflation data on Friday at 8:30 AM EDT will further shape rate expectations, as traders watch for disinflationary trends amidst tariff pressures and the Fed's employment focus.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.