Markets stay cautious
US stocks traded in narrow ranges as investors prepared for the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was near 47,656, gaining only a few points. The S&P 500 stayed around 6,841 with almost no change. The Nasdaq Composite fell slightly to 23,527, showing that tech stocks are more sensitive to possible interest rate changes. Bond yields rose to levels not seen since 2009. This signals concern that the current rate-cut cycle may be ending. Analysts said even small changes in the Fed’s statement could trigger market swings. Investors stayed cautious and avoided large trades.
Silver prices rise
While stocks were quiet, silver jumped above $60 an ounce, the highest level this year. Investors turned to precious metals as a safe investment amid uncertainty. Experts said metals like silver often do well when interest rates are low or markets face risks. If the Federal Reserve continues easy monetary policy, silver prices could rise further.
Corporate earnings
Several companies influenced trading. GameStop Corporation fell after missing revenue targets. GE Vernova rose nearly 13% after doubling its dividend, signaling strong cash flow. Investors are also watching Oracle Corporation, which will report earnings on Wednesday, as a key indicator for AI and cloud computing. Broadcom Inc., Costco Wholesale Corporation, and Lululemon Athletica Inc. are set to release results later in the week. Tech stocks were mixed. Nvidia Corporation stayed near $185. Tesla Inc. rose to about $445. Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. gained more than 3%. Intel Corporation first rose but then fell due to lawsuits and its plans to buy AI chip startup SambaNova Systems. The lawsuits claimed Intel, AMD, and Texas Instruments chips were used in Russian-made weapons.
Wait for Fed announcement
Investors are waiting for the Federal Reserve statement and Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference. Some Fed officials want more rate cuts to support the job market. Others warn that too much easing could raise inflation. Rising global bond yields add to uncertainty. How the Fed signals its policy will likely guide markets for the rest of December.
