Fed Decison, Meta Conference and Other Key Things to Watch this Week

Federal Reserve Meeting and Economic Data - The Federal Reserve's meeting on September 17-18 is expected to result in a 25-basis-point cut, with minimal chance of a 50-basis-point reduction, amidst mixed economic data showing employment weakness and persistent inflation [1][2] - The upcoming retail sales report on Tuesday is crucial for assessing consumer spending resilience, which could influence the Fed's policy decisions [2][3] - The Fed's updated economic projections will provide insights into expectations for growth, unemployment, and inflation through 2026, with any deviation from market expectations potentially causing significant volatility [1][2] Meta's Annual Connect Conference - Meta's annual Connect developer conference coincides with the Fed meeting, where the company is expected to announce new virtual and augmented reality initiatives that could impact the metaverse investment landscape [4] - The conference will provide updated metrics on user adoption and revenue potential from non-advertising businesses, which could influence investor perception of Meta's long-term profitability [4] Earnings Reports from Key Companies - Earnings reports from FedEx, Lennar, and Darden on Thursday will offer diverse insights into economic health across transportation, housing, and consumer spending sectors [5][6] - FedEx's results will shed light on global shipping volumes and e-commerce trends, while Lennar's earnings will provide insights into housing market conditions amid high mortgage rates [5][6] - Darden's results will reflect trends in the restaurant industry and consumer discretionary spending, with the potential for significant market reactions based on the collective earnings outcomes [6] Manufacturing and Employment Data - The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index and initial jobless claims released on Thursday will provide context on business conditions and labor market trends following the Fed's decision [7] - These data points will help investors assess whether recent economic softness is temporary or indicative of deeper issues, influencing market interpretations of the Fed's policy stance [7]