What to Expect in Markets This Week: Fed Interest Rate Decision, U.S. Retail Sales, Meta Event, Earnings from FedEx, General Mills

Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates for the first time in 2025 on Wednesday, with significant market implications anticipated from this decision and subsequent remarks from Chair Jerome Powell [1][3][5] - Investors are closely monitoring the Fed's decision amid signs of a weakening labor market and elevated inflation levels [3][4] Market Reactions and Economic Indicators - U.S. major stock indexes have seen gains leading up to the Fed meeting, indicating investor optimism [2] - Key economic data releases this week include U.S. retail sales, housing starts, and jobless claims, which will provide insights into consumer spending and overall economic conditions [5][6] Corporate Earnings Reports - Earnings reports from companies such as FedEx, General Mills, and Darden Restaurants are scheduled, which will shed light on consumer behavior and economic health [5][7] - FedEx has suspended its full-year outlook due to uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs, highlighting the impact of external factors on corporate performance [7] Meta Platforms and Technology Sector - Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to deliver a keynote at the annual Meta Connect conference, focusing on product innovations, particularly in AI [7] - The technology sector is under scrutiny as investors await insights from Meta and other tech companies regarding their performance and future strategies [3][7]