S&P 500 dips amid investor anticipation of Federal Reserve's policy outcome

The S&P 500 index has been experiencing a downturn throughout September 2023, despite an overall upward trend in U.S. stocks this year. On Tuesday, the index was down by 0.3%, trading around 4,441, according to Bespoke Investment Group.

The S&P 500 is currently at the bottom of its bullish trading channel and is trailing behind its 50-day moving average of nearly 4,484. This has heightened investor scrutiny on the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting set to conclude today, Wednesday.

Historically, this period, beginning from September 18, is known as the "weakest 10-day period of the year" for the S&P 500, as per BofA Global Research's report on Tuesday. Within this month, the index has dropped by 1.5%, but it still boasts gains exceeding 15% year to date as of Tuesday afternoon, based on data from FactSet.

Bespoke Investment Group noted an increasing number of stocks across various sectors either breaking down or failing at crucial resistance levels. This trend is predominantly evident in sectors such as consumer staples and healthcare.

However, not all sectors are facing a slump. The energy and financial sectors have shown considerable strength, especially insurance stocks within the financial sector. Despite the overall drop in the S&P 500 this month, its energy sector has risen by over 3%, largely due to a surge in oil prices, as per FactSet data.

In August, these elevated oil prices contributed to a rise in inflation with the consumer-price index increasing by 0.6% for an annual rate of 3.7%, up from a 3.2% pace through July.

The market now awaits Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference following the conclusion of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting today. Investors will be keen to decipher any indications about the duration for which the Fed plans to maintain high interest rates in its attempt to pull inflation back to its 2% target.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Begin trading today! Create an account by completing our form

Privacy Notice

At One Financial Markets we are committed to safeguarding your privacy.

Please see our Privacy Policy for details about what information is collected from you and why it is collected. We do not sell your information or use it other than as described in the Policy.

Please note that it is in our legitimate business interest to send you certain marketing emails from time to time. However, if you would prefer not to receive these you can opt-out by ticking the box below.

Alternatively, you can use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the Demo account confirmation email or any subsequent emails we send.

By completing the form and downloading the platform you agree with the use of your personal information as detailed in the Policy.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71.4% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Back to top

Office network

One Financial Markets is the trading name of Axi Financial Services (UK) Ltd, a company registered in England with company number 6050593. Axi Financial Services (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK (under firm reference number 466201)

The information on this site is not directed at residents of the United States, Belgium, Poland or any particular country outside the UK and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

www.onefinancialmarkets.com is owned and operated by Axi Financial Services (UK) Ltd.

Award winning broker
We have been presented with a number of awards that recognise the quality of our service and dedication to our clients :

Best FSA Regulated Broker
Saudi Money Expo

Best Education Product
Saudi Money Expo

Best Broker - Online Trading
IAIR Awards

Best Institutional Broker
Saudi Money Expo

Best FX Services Broker
CN Forex

Top International
FX Broker 2015

Saudi Money Expo

Broker of the Year
Online Trading – Middle East

IAIR Awards

Best Forex
Customer Service 2018

JFEX Awards

We accept the following payment methods: