The CME FedWatch tool shows nearly a 90% probability that the Fed will deliver its third straight 25-basis-point rate cut. Yet uncertainty still hangs over the meeting. FOMC officials remain split on whether the easing cycle should continue.
By 10:05 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones rose 95.64 points to 47,655.93. The S&P 500 added a modest 0.85 points to 6,841.36. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 49.03 points to 23,527.45. The muted action follows several sessions of sideways trading, reflecting a market waiting for clarity.
Bond yields rose to levels not seen since 2009, signaling investor concerns that the interest-rate cutting cycle may be ending. Even small shifts in Fed guidance could trigger volatility in tech and growth stocks, keeping the early session muted.
Silver surged above $60 an ounce, the first time in 2025, drawing attention from investors seeking safe-haven assets. Commodities are benefiting from market caution, as metals often gain when rates are low or economic uncertainty rises. Analysts say silver’s momentum may continue if the Fed signals extended easy monetary policy.
Corporate news added another layer of market movement. GameStop (GME) fell 5% after missing revenue estimates, while GE Vernova (GEV) jumped nearly 13% after doubling its dividend. Tech investors are focused on Oracle (ORCL) earnings Wednesday, a key proxy for AI and cloud trends. Upcoming reports from Broadcom (AVGO), Costco (COST), and Lululemon (LULU) will also influence the market.
Stocks showing notable moves include NVIDIA (NVDA) at $184.97, nearly flat, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) up 3.78%, Plug Power (PLUG) up 2.31%, Opendoor Technologies (OPEN) up 5.11%, and Tesla (TSLA) gaining 1.27% to $445. Intel (INTC) rose 0.50% to $40.50, reflecting steady demand in semiconductors.Investors are balancing multiple factors today: corporate earnings, silver gains, and the Fed decision. Volatility could spike once the Fed releases its statement. Traders are watching both macro indicators and company-specific news to gauge direction.
While the Dow and S&P 500 are flat, Nasdaq’s modest dip hints at tech sector sensitivity to policy shifts. Precious metals and dividend-paying stocks are drawing attention as hedges against uncertainty. Short-term swings are likely until the Fed’s path becomes clear.
US stock market today: Markets pause before Fed’s likely rate cut
The Dow Jones hovered near 47,599, gaining a modest 39 points. Trading was subdued as investors held back ahead of the Federal Reserve’s rate decision. The index showed minor fluctuations throughout the morning session, reflecting uncertainty in industrial and blue-chip stocks. Traders are monitoring corporate earnings, dividends, and macroeconomic signals before committing to larger positions.
The S&P 500 remained largely flat at 6,841, up just 0.01%. Market movement was minimal, as investors cautiously weighed upcoming Fed guidance, rising bond yields, and commodity trends. Sector performance was mixed, with energy and consumer discretionary showing slight strength while tech and growth stocks paused. Analysts say the flat performance indicates a “wait-and-see” approach in the broader market.
The Nasdaq slipped 0.16% to 23,537, reflecting weakness in tech-heavy stocks. Key players like Nvidia and Oracle showed limited early gains, while others lagged amid market uncertainty. Investors are closely watching upcoming earnings reports and AI sector performance. The small decline suggests that technology remains sensitive to interest-rate signals and volatility in broader equities.
The policy divide inside the Fed is becoming more visible. Some officials argue that more easing is necessary to support a slowing labor market. Others warn that cutting too aggressively could re-ignite inflation risks.
The post-meeting statement arrives at 2 p.m. ET Wednesday, followed by Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference. Markets will parse every line for signals on 2026 policy expectations, inflation tolerance, and recession risk.
Global bond markets added tension to the backdrop. Global yields rose to levels last seen in 2009, signaling investor belief that the global rate-cut cycle may be approaching its end.
Meanwhile, silver (SI=F) extended its record-breaking rally after moving above $60 an ounce for the first time.
Even small changes in tone or wording from the Fed could create market swings, especially in tech stocks and high-growth sectors. This uncertainty has kept trading activity muted in the early session.
Silver breaks above $60, gains continue
Silver prices surged past $60 an ounce for the first time in 2025. This is attracting attention from investors looking for safe-haven assets amid market uncertainty.
The rise in silver reflects growing demand for precious metals as concerns about inflation and global economic stability persist. Analysts say metals like silver and gold often gain when interest rates remain low or markets are volatile.
Investors are closely monitoring commodities alongside equities. Metals could continue to perform well if the Fed signals a prolonged easy monetary policy or global growth concerns intensify.
The silver surge also signals a potential rotation of money from tech and growth stocks into tangible assets. This shift could influence market dynamics over the coming months.
Hot stocks today: iRobot, Nextdoor, Enveric surge while Nvidia and Intel slip
Market action was sharper beneath the surface. Several high-volume stocks posted double-digit swings.
- iRobot (IRBT) jumped 23.37% to $4.36 with 24M shares traded.
- Nextdoor (NXDR) gained 27.36% to $2.56 on 20M shares.
- Enveric Biosciences (ENVB) soared 89.19% to $11.20 as volume hit 19M.
- Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) climbed 4.12% to $29.43, near its 52-week high.
Large-cap tech remained mixed.
Nvidia (NVDA) dipped 0.30% to $184.42.
Palantir (PLTR) rose 1.17% to $183.97.
Intel (INTC) fell sharply, down 2.48% to $39.49.
Intel stock drops as chipmaker faces lawsuits and prepares AI startup acquisition
Intel was one of the morning’s biggest laggards. Shares slid after five lawsuits were filed in Texas accusing Intel, AMD, and Texas Instruments of failing to keep their chips out of Russian-made weapons. The suits are brought on behalf of Ukrainian civilians and cite five attacks between 2023 and 2025.
At the same time, Intel is moving ahead with plans to acquire AI chip startup SambaNova Systems, chaired by newly appointed CEO Lip-Bu Tan. This comes amid Intel’s broader effort to revive competitiveness and streamline operations.
Former Intel executives previously told Yahoo Finance that many of its past acquisitions struggled due to internal bureaucracy. Investors have responded more positively when Intel has sold assets rather than bought them. The stock jumped earlier this year after Intel offloaded a majority stake in its Altera unit.
Corporate highlights: GameStop sinks, GE Vernova jumps, Oracle earnings ahead
Beyond tech, corporate news drove several notable moves.
GameStop (GME) fell 5% after missing quarterly revenue forecasts.
GE Vernova (GEV) rose nearly 13% after doubling its dividend, a signal of cash-flow strength.
The tech trade faces a big test Wednesday as Oracle (ORCL) reports earnings. Many on Wall Street view Oracle as a major AI-infrastructure proxy. Broadcom (AVGO), Costco (COST), and Lululemon (LULU) will post results Thursday, setting the tone for year-end sentiment.
The next 24 hours carry outsized importance. If the Fed signals that cuts are nearing an end, long-term yields could rise further. If Powell leans dovish, tech could regain momentum. A hawkish tone may weigh on equities and commodities alike.
With stocks holding steady, bond yields surging, and commodities breaking new ground, Wednesday’s Fed decision could set the tone for the rest of December.