U.S. Stocks Open Higher as Investors Await Fed Rate Decision By Investing.com


© Reuters.

By Liz Moyer

Investing.com — U.S. stocks opened higher as investors await the Federal Reserve’s latest policy statement on interest rates later today.

At 9:39 AM ET, the was up 279 points or 0.9%, while the was up 1% and the was up 1.3%.

The market is expecting a big move by the Fed – even bigger than what was expected just a few days ago. The prevailing mood is looking for a three-quarter of a point jump in the benchmark rate as the Fed looks to tame inflation quickly without pushing the economy into a recession.

Central bankers in Europe are also trying to figure out the best way to steer the zone’s economy. The European Central Bank said earlier on Wednesday that it will design a new way to prevent a disorderly blowout in borrowing costs in weaker euro zone countries as it, too, raises rates.

Some analysts expressed hope for a relief rally once the Fed’s decision comes out. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will speak to reporters at 2:30 PM ET.

Signs of a slowdown are emerging. unexpectedly fell 0.3% in May from the prior month, against expectations for a gain of 0.2% after April’s gain of 0.7%.

Cryptocurrencies have faltered in recent days, a combination of investors shunning risk assets and turmoil in the digital asset sector. is down 5% on Wednesday, to around $21,376. Coinbase Global Inc (NASDAQ:), the crypto exchange that said Tuesday it was cutting nearly 20% of its workforce to prepare for a recession, was down just 0.8% in early trading.

Zendesk Inc (NYSE:) stock rose 4% after reports it was in talks with activist investor Jana Partners after falling short in its quest to find a buyer.

Oil fell. was down 0.7%, to $118.06 a barrel, while fell 0.5%, to $120.50 a barrel. rose 0.8%, to $1,828 an ounce.

 

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