CNBC Daily Open: A 'hawkish cut' by the Fed could dull festivities

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to lower its benchmark interest rates by a quarter percentage point to a range of 3.5%-3.75% [1] Group 1: Market Expectations - Traders are anticipating an 88.6% chance of the rate cut, indicating that the news is likely already reflected in stock prices [2] - Any indication of restraint from the Fed could negatively impact equities, suggesting a potential "hawkish cut" where rates are lowered but future cuts may be delayed [2] Group 2: Future Projections - The "dot plot" will provide insights into Fed officials' projections for interest rates over the coming years, serving as a key indicator of any hawkish stance [3] - Investors will closely analyze Chair Jerome Powell's press conference and central bankers' estimates for U.S. economic growth and inflation to assess the Fed's future rate trajectory [3] - There is a possibility that year-end market sentiment may be subdued this year despite the rate cut [3]