Today, Wednesday, features high-impact Retail Sales at 8:30 am, followed by the critical Fed Interest Rate Decision and Economic Projections at 2:00 pm. Markets are bracing for the FOMC Press Conference at 2:30 pm amid sticky inflation concerns. Thursday brings Jobless Claims at 8:30 am, while next Tuesday focuses on S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMI at 9:45 am. Expect significant volatility in USD and equities as the Fed clarifies its long-term rate trajectory.
Prepare for sharp reversals during the 2:30 pm presser; use tight stops on SPY and QQQ. If Retail Sales miss, watch for early bearish momentum ahead of the Fed's afternoon policy statement.
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.