Wall Street Brunch: Fed Easing Out The Year

Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - The market anticipates a quarter-point rate cut, with an 85% chance that the FOMC will lower rates by 25 basis points to a range of 3.5%–3.75% [5] - Despite expectations for easing, five of the 12 voting members are publicly against further rate cuts, indicating a divided FOMC [5] - Wells Fargo notes a "critical mass of support" for the doves, but multiple dissents are expected, with the 2026 median dot projected to hold at 3.375% [5] Earnings Reports - Oracle is expected to report EPS of $1.64 on revenue of $16.2 billion, while Broadcom is projected to report EPS of $1.87 on revenue of $17.64 billion [6] - Wells Fargo initiated coverage on Broadcom with an Overweight rating and a $280 price target, citing nearly $500 billion in AI-related deals [6] - Susquehanna highlights Broadcom's strong position in revenue growth driven by AI networking demand and its long-standing partnership with Google [6] Market Commentary - Michael Burry compares OpenAI to Netscape, suggesting it may face a similar decline despite a potential $1 trillion valuation [6] - Burry also draws parallels between Palantir and DiamondCluster, indicating concerns about their long-term viability [6] - The S&P 500 will see Carvana, CRH, and Comfort Systems USA added, while LKQ, Solstice Advanced Materials, and Mohawk Industries will be removed [6]