US Stocks Slip From Records As Fed Decision Looms

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a slight pullback as investors took profits after record gains, with the S&P 500 down 0.13% to 6,606.76, the Nasdaq Composite down 0.07% to 22,333.96, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 125.55 points or 0.27% to 45,757.90 [1][2] Federal Reserve Meeting - The Federal Reserve is holding a two-day policy meeting, with expectations for a quarter-point rate cut, and traders are looking for guidance on potential further cuts by year-end [2][4] - Chair Jerome Powell's post-meeting press conference is anticipated for insights on future rate paths [2] Corporate Movements - Nvidia and Microsoft saw declines of 1.6% and 1.2% respectively, while Alphabet and Palantir also retreated amid the Fed meeting [2] - Eli Lilly's stock rose over 2% following the announcement of a $5 billion manufacturing facility in Virginia [6] - Nio's stock climbed more than 2% after receiving an upgrade from UBS [6] - Webtoon Entertainment surged 31% due to a digital comics partnership with Disney [6] - Hims & Hers fell 7% after an FDA warning [6] Global Trade and Economic Indicators - U.S. Treasury Secretary expressed optimism regarding trade talks with China, indicating a potential deal ahead of upcoming tariffs [5] - Gold prices reached a new record above $3,699 an ounce as investors prepared for a rate cut [6] - Cryptocurrency prices remained stable ahead of the Fed's decision [6] Analyst Predictions - Analysts expect a quarter-point cut with a dovish tone, with predictions of up to 100 basis points of easing over time [7] - Monetary policy adjustments are anticipated to support higher equity prices despite signs of labor market cooling [7] Banking Sector Insights - Wells Fargo's Mike Mayo reaffirmed Citi as a top pick and raised price targets across the banking sector [8] - Barclays increased its target on Taiwan Semiconductor, citing strong AI-driven demand [8]