Stocks Set to Open Higher on Fed Rate-Cut Hopes and Earnings Optimism

Federal Reserve Insights - Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee emphasized the need for caution in rate cuts to balance inflation and employment goals [1] - Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan noted that the central bank is further from its inflation target than its employment goal, advocating for a cautious approach to interest rate cuts [1] - Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson stated that future policy rates will be evaluated based on incoming data and evolving outlooks [1] - Fed Governor Stephen Miran indicated a potential revision of inflation outlook if housing costs rise unexpectedly [1] Economic Data - The U.S. ISM services index fell to a 4-month low of 50.0 in September, below expectations of 51.8 [2] - The U.S. September S&P Global services PMI was revised higher to 54.2 from a preliminary reading of 53.9 [2] Market Movements - Wall Street's major equity averages closed mixed, with Humana (HUM) surging over +10% after reaffirming its full-year earnings guidance [3] - Rumble (RUM) jumped more than +15% following a partnership announcement to enhance video discovery with AI tools [3] - USA Rare Earth (USAR) climbed over +14% due to close communication with the White House [3] - Palantir Technologies (PLTR) fell more than -7% after reports of serious flaws in its battlefield communications system, which the company denied [3] Upcoming Events - Investors are focused on developments regarding the U.S. government shutdown and the Fed's latest policy meeting minutes [4][6] - The release of the Fed's minutes from the September meeting is anticipated for insights into policymakers' views on rate cuts [7] - Notable companies including PepsiCo (PEP), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and Constellation Brands (STZ) are set to report quarterly figures this week [10] International Market Developments - The Euro Stoxx 50 Index fell -0.56% due to political turmoil in France following the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu [12] - Eurozone's Sentix Investor Confidence Index came in at -5.4, better than expectations of -7.5, while retail sales rose +0.1% month-over-month [13] - Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Index closed sharply higher, boosted by the election of Sanae Takaichi as the ruling party leader, with expectations of increased government spending [14]