High volatility is expected Wednesday at 8:30 am for Retail Sales, followed by the critical Fed Interest Rate Decision and FOMC projections at 2:00 pm. Powell’s press conference at 2:30 pm will clarify the "dot plot" trajectory. Tuesday features ADP data at 8:15 am, while Jobless Claims arrive Thursday at 8:30 am. With markets sensitive to recession risks, any hawkish surprise from the Fed or weak consumer spending could trigger significant downside in equities and dollar fluctuations.
Traders should tighten stops ahead of Wednesday's 2:00 pm announcement, as the "dot plot" and Powell’s tone will dictate year-end trend direction. Watch for a "buy the rumor, sell the news" reaction if the Fed delivers the expected rate path.
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.