The trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York City, USA on September 17, 2025.
Brendan McDermid | Reuters
Stock futures rose slightly on Wednesday as investors continued to digest the latest rate cut decisions from the Federal Reserve.
S&P 500 Futures As it was, it rose 0.2% Nasdaq 100 futures. moreover, Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average I climbed 50 points, or 0.1%.
In expansion trading, stocks Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Fourth quarter revenues plummeted after missing Wall Street expectations. The restaurant chain said it is focused on enhancing the “guest experience” in the wake of brand controversy.
The move follows a trading volatile day on Wednesday after the Fed cut its benchmark rate by a quarter point, as expected. Dow Jones Industrial Average He was the sole winner, gaining 260.42 points or 0.57%, but S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite It fell by 0.1% and 0.33% respectively.
In a press conference following the decision, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell dampened investors on the central bank this year, calling it the latest cut, “risk management.” In fact, policymakers have predicted two more cuts this year, but only one in 2026, while traders have been priced at two or three more cuts next year.
“The Fed’s 25 basis point cut is a clear signal. The softened labor market and stubborn inflation have forced policymakers to act, but gradually. This is not a pivot, it is not a measured step.”
“For investors, this means more modest rate relief than fireworks,” she added. “The Fed is walking down the fine lines and will determine what’s coming up with inflation and employment data.”
Despite Wednesday’s losses, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ are heading towards weekly profits, rising 0.2% and 0.5% over the period, respectively. This has brought the pace of the broad market index for Seven’s sixth positive week, bringing the high-tech Nasdaq back on track for the third consecutive positive week.
Meanwhile, the 30 shares Dow’s move on Wednesday marked 0.4% ahead.
