Markets wrapped up a volatile week as the Federal Reserve delivered another rate cut while signaling a slower pace ahead. With equities mixed, yields rising, and investors watching inflation and labor data closely, attention now turns to whether economic momentum can sustain a “Goldilocks” outcome into 2026.
Markets finished the week with broad strength as investors embraced rising odds of a December Fed rate cut. Mega-caps, AI leaders, and chipmakers drove the rebound, helping major indices reclaim their 50-day moving averages. This week’s recap outlines the market action, key Fed commentary, economic data, and what’s on deck heading into December.
Markets began September cautiously, with stocks fluctuating on jobs data and tariff headlines while Treasuries rallied on Fed rate cut bets. Gold surged, oil slipped, and the labor market slowdown puts the Fed in focus ahead of this week’s CPI and sentiment readings.
Stocks rallied into the weekend after Fed Chair Powell signaled rate cuts may come as soon as September. The Dow and Russell 2000 led gains, Treasury yields fell, and oil prices climbed. Here’s what moved markets this week and what investors should watch in the days ahead.
Markets lost steam this week as trade optimism clashed with policy uncertainty. The Fed’s hold on rates and sticky inflation weighed on investor sentiment, while small caps and emerging markets quietly outperformed. Here’s what investors need to know.