Finance

Stocks mixed, tech weakens before expected Fed rate cut

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on December 10, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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(Adds blog post) Welcome to the home for real-time coverage of markets brought to you by Reuters reporters. You can share your thoughts with us at STOCKS MIXED, TECH WEAKENS BEFORE EXPECTED FED RATE

Stocks Show Mixed Results Before Fed Rate Cut Decision

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Welcome to the home for real-time coverage of markets brought ‍to ‌you by Reuters reporters. You can share your thoughts with us at

STOCKS ⁠MIXED, TECH WEAKENS BEFORE EXPECTED ‌FED RATE CUT

Stocks were mixed on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 recording modest gains, while the Nasdaq Composite is in the ⁠red, ahead of an expected rate cut by the Federal Reserve. 

Traders are cautious, with ​Fed Chair Jerome Powell expected to strike a ‌hawkish tone over future rate cuts ⁠as he presides over an increasingly divided U.S. central bank that is weighing high inflation against a weakening labor market.

Fed funds futures ​traders are pricing in 91% odds of a rate cut, and traders will focus on how many officials dissent to the move. Policymakers are also due to update their economic and interest rate ​projections ‍for the coming quarters. 

Industrials is ​the best performing sector ahead of the decision, while tech is the laggard. The U.S. dollar, gold, crude oil and bitcoin are all lower on the day, while benchmark 10-year Treasury yields have eased to 4.17%.

Here is Tuesday’s opening market snapshot:

(Karen Brettell)

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EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:

GIMME CREDIT ⁠FLAGS BIG DEBT RISKS IN NETFLIX'S WARNER BROS DISCOVERY DEAL CLICK HERESTAPLES STUCK: HSBC WARNS 2026 WON'T ​BE A PICNIC FOR CONSUMER GIANTS CLICK HEREHIGH HO, SILVER! CLICK HERE

BELLIES PINCHED AS CENTRAL BANK EXPECTATIONS SHIFT CLICK HERE

ONE BITCOIN BULL HAS CUT THEIR FORECAST AS "COLD BREEZE" BLOWS CLICK ‌HERE

STOXX DIPS CLICK HERE

BEFORE THE BELL: EUROPE DIPS ON FED DAY; DELIVERY HERO SHINES CLICK HERE

ONE LAST HURDLE REMAINS FOR THE YEAR CLICK HERE

Key Takeaways

  • Stocks are mixed with tech underperforming.
  • Fed expected to announce a rate cut.
  • Traders anticipate a hawkish tone from Fed Chair.
  • Industrial sector outperforms, tech lags.
  • Market reacts to economic and interest rate projections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is monetary policy?
Monetary policy refers to the actions undertaken by a central bank to control the money supply, interest rates, and inflation to achieve macroeconomic goals such as controlling inflation and stabilizing the currency.
What are interest rates?
Interest rates are the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the total loan amount. They influence economic activity by affecting consumer spending and business investment.
What is economic growth?
Economic growth is the increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, typically measured by the rise in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
What is the Federal Reserve?
The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States, responsible for implementing monetary policy, regulating banks, maintaining financial stability, and providing financial services.

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