Sp 500, Nasdaq Dip As Rate Cut Fears Linger Despite Easing Inflation

The SampP 500 and the Nasdaq both saw slight declines on Friday as concerns over high interest rates in 2025 grew. However, losses were limited by a weaker-than-expected inflation report. According to a report from the U.S. Commerce Department, the Personal Consumption Expenditure PCE index - the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge - increased by 2.4 year-over-year in November, slightly below the 2.5 forecast made by economists surveyed by Reuters.

Following the release of the data, traders adjusted their expectations for rate cuts, now predicting a first rate reduction in March 2025, followed by another in October. Before the report, the likelihood of a second rate cut by December 2025 was around 50.

This week, Wall Street was rattled after the Federal Reserve projected just two rate cuts for 2025 and raised its inflation outlook, signaling the economy's ongoing strength and persistent inflation pressures.

"Before the Fed's meeting, inflation wasnt as much of a concern, but then the Fed made it clear that they dont believe the inflation battle is over yet," said Mike Dickson, head of research and quantitative strategies at Horizon Investments.

"Theres now a more delicate balance between a strong labor market and the Feds inflation concerns, which makes this report more significant than it might have seemed at first."