U.S. Stock Market Navigates PCE Data and Fed Rate Cut Expectations on December 5, 2025

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets are showing cautious optimism as investors await crucial inflation data and a Federal Reserve interest rate decision next week [1] - Major U.S. market indexes have displayed varied movements, with the S&P 500 inching up 0.1% and reaching 6875 points, marking a 0.27% gain from the previous session [3] - The S&P 500 has climbed 2.31% over the past month and is up 12.89% compared to the same time last year, indicating a robust underlying trend [4] Premarket Trading and Futures - U.S. stock futures are largely inching higher, with S&P 500 futures up approximately 0.2% to 0.3% and Nasdaq 100 futures climbing around 0.4% [2] - Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are showing a more subdued performance, hovering between flat and a slight gain of 0.04% to 0.1% [2] Upcoming Economic Reports - The delayed release of the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) price index data for September is expected to provide insights into inflation, which is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve [5] - Other key economic reports include personal income and outlays, both anticipated to show a robust 0.4% increase month-over-month [5] Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision - The Federal Reserve's interest rate decision is scheduled for December 10th, with nearly 90% odds of a quarter-point reduction [6] - Recent labor market data, including a decrease in Challenger job cuts to 71,300 and weekly initial jobless claims falling to roughly 191,000, are contributing to expectations of further rate reductions [6] Company Earnings Reports - Victoria's Secret Co (VSCO) and National Beverage (FIZZ) are among the companies scheduled to report quarterly results, which will provide insights into consumer spending and corporate health [7] Major Stock News - Meta Platforms (META) saw its stock jump 3.4% following reports of potential significant budget cuts for its metaverse division, which could impact its long-term investment profile [8] - Intel (INTC) shares dropped nearly 8% after reports indicated the company plans to retain its networking and communications unit [13] - Dollar General (DG) surged 14% after exceeding quarterly earnings estimates and raising its full-year forecast [13] - GE Vernova (GEV) shares advanced close to 5% after Barclays raised its price target due to robust demand for its gas and electrification equipment [13] - Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (HPE) provided a sales outlook that fell short of analyst estimates, indicating potential headwinds for the enterprise technology sector [13] - SoFi Technologies (SOFI) announced plans to sell $1.5 billion of common shares, leading to a negative reaction in its stock [13] - Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (WBD) and Netflix Inc. (NFLX) are in focus for any significant developments in the streaming and entertainment sector [13]