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This Week Could Help Decide Whether the Fed Raises Interest Rates in December — Barrons.com

Grade Abullish AI signal$NDX$DXY$WTI$SPX
This week's economic data, oil prices and major tech earnings could shape the Federal Reserve's December rate decision, with markets pricing in a 73% chance of a rate hike. The Fed is widely expected to hold rates steady this week, while persistent inflation and resilient growth support further tightening, even as the Nasdaq has fallen about 5% from its October record and semiconductor stocks have dropped 12% in the past month. Weak tech earnings or another sustained market selloff could reduce the need for a December rate hike, while stronger results and elevated energy prices may reinforce the case for tighter policy.

Bullish strength: 55/100

  • A sustained stock market selloff could make a December rate hike unnecessary.
  • Strong technology earnings could reassure investors about the durability of AI investment.

Bearish strength: 45/100

  • Markets price in a 73% chance of a December rate increase.
  • Inflation remains above the Fed's 2% target, and higher energy prices could keep inflation elevated.
  • The Nasdaq has fallen about 5% from its recent record, while semiconductor stocks have declined 12% in the past month.

This is automated NewsSignals analysis of third-party reporting, not independent original reporting or investment advice. AI scores are not price predictions.

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