A big Fed meeting looms in the week ahead as economic concerns percolate

The Federal Reserve is expected to make its first interest rate cut since 2022 at its upcoming meeting. Investors are hopeful that this move will boost earnings for struggling companies, but concerns about economic growth have cast a shadow over the meeting. Stock markets are up ahead of the meeting, with traders split on whether the rate cut will be 25 or 50 basis points. Investors will also be watching for signals about future policy moves. Some experts are cautious about the stock market’s current high valuations and advise staying exposed to value stocks. Retail sales data and notable earnings reports are also expected next week.