U.S. stocks inched higher midday Wednesday, as investors digested upbeat economic data while keeping an optimistic tone ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision and a wave of key tech earnings due after the bell.
- The QQQ ETF is on track for a fourth consecutive monthly gain. See the chart here.
The S&P 500 rose 0.2%, the Nasdaq added 0.4%, and the Dow Jones hovered near the flatline. Small-cap stocks outperformed, with the Russell 2000 up 0.6%.
Markets widely expect the Federal Reserve to keep rates steady at 4.25%-4.50%, but with two policymakers already showing preference for a cut, the decision could mark the most divided vote since 1993.
On the trade front, former President Donald Trump announced a new 25% tariff on Indian imports, set to take effect Aug. 1.
Advance GDP data showed the U.S. economy grew at an annualized 3.0% in the second quarter of 2025, a sharp rebound from the previous quarter’s 0.5% contraction and well above the 2.4% consensus, powered by strong consumer spending and a decline in imports.
In the labor market, private payrolls rose by 104,000 in July, the strongest gain since March and a solid beat on the 75,000 forecast—reversing a contraction in June.
Commodities were in focus as WTI crude extended its rally, surging 1.5% on the day to hit $70 a barrel, driven by geopolitical tensions following Trump’s new 10-day ultimatum to Russia over peace talks with Ukraine. The three-day gain now totals over 8%.
Gold slipped 1% to $3,290 per ounce as the U.S. dollar strengthened …