Fight inflation (hike rates)
Support employment (lower rates)
Today's data showing a less than expected 2.7% inflation rate, as well as the poor job numbers recently reported, gives the Fed the green light to lower rates at the next meeting and perhaps more after that.
Understandably, the S&Ps spiked higher regaining much of yesterday's sharp decline.
All things being equal, the mkt should hold these gains and perhaps push through yesterday's high. If it instead stalls out, that would be bearish action and I'd be looking to short it.
Then again, that may just be worth what you paid for it. ;-)
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/18/nx-s1-5647510/inflation-economy-prices-affordability
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/18/cpi-inflation-report-november-2025.html
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The stock market will especially like this because as joj stated, it gives them the green light to lower interest rates which makes interest bearing investment options less competitive with stocks, amongst other things.