High volatility is expected today, Wednesday, with the Fed Interest Rate Decision at 2:00 PM EST, followed by the FOMC Press Conference at 2:30 PM EST. The Fed's rate projections and monetary policy statement will be critical for market direction. Tomorrow, Thursday, watch for the Producer Price Index ex Food & Energy (YoY) at 8:30 AM EST, a key inflation gauge. Next Monday, December 16, brings a barrage of high-impact data including Nonfarm Payrolls, Average Hourly Earnings, Retail Sales, and S&P Global PMIs, all at 8:30 AM EST or 9:45 AM EST, shaping the labor market and growth outlook.
Traders should brace for significant market shifts around Wednesday afternoon's Fed announcements. PPI data Thursday will provide inflation clues, while next Monday's NFP and retail sales will heavily influence rate hike expectations. Position defensively or prepare for swift reactions to these key economic indicators.
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.