Fed funds futures trading showed a high likelihood of a December rate cut
Wall Street's midday middling carried into the end of the session, with stocks settling near breakeven after October's consumer price index -- a key piece of inflation data -- was in line with economists' expectations. After the reading, the CME FedWatch tool showed an increased chance that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates again in December.
Additionally, NBC News reported Wednesday that Republicans will keep control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The clean sweep means Donald Trump will have an easier time confirming his cabinet picks and putting his legislative plans into action.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- Why AI stocks are losing momentum.
- What to expect from Target's earnings report.
- Plus, more on tax-loss harvesting; SBUX dinged by downgrade; and why EV stocks popped.
5 Things to Know Today
- Republicans elected Sen. John Thune to be the Senate majority leader. (CNBC)
- The 30-year mortgage rate rose for a seventh-straight week. (MarketWatch)
- These 25 stocks are vulnerable to "tax-loss harvesting."
- Why this analyst thinks Starbucks stock is a "sell."
- A Volkswagen update boosted these EV stocks.
Oil Futures Recover From 2-Week Lows
Oil futures climbed back into the black, despite U.S. and global benchmark prices hitting roughly two-week lows earlier, after some of the world's largest oil producers slashed global demand growth expectations. For the session, December-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added 31 cents, or 0.5%, to settle at $68.43 a barrel.
Meanwhile, speculative buying was unable to helped gold prices improve, after inflation data implied less rate rate cuts than expected next year. At last check, gold futures are 1% lower to trade at $2,581.40.