Stocks trended lower throughout Monday's session as caution set in ahead of the December Fed meeting. The central bank is widely expected to announce its third straight quarter-point rate cut Wednesday afternoon. However, uncertainty remains about what's in store for interest rates and the economy in 2026.
"This week's FOMC decision could set the tone for the remainder of 2025 and beyond, shaping expectations for monetary policy, risk appetite, and market leadership," says Mark Hackett, chief market strategist at Nationwide.
