U.S. stocks inched higher by midday Wednesday, as traders weighed geopolitical uncertainty and awaited the Federal Reserve’s June policy decision.
President Donald Trump declined to offer a clear response on whether the U.S. would directly intervene in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold rates steady at 4.25%-4.50% for a fourth consecutive meeting. Yet, investor focus is centered on the updated Summary of Economic Projections.
Economists anticipate the new dot plot will reflect a median expectation of just one rate cut in 2025—down from two in March—alongside modest upward revisions to inflation and downward adjustments to growth forecasts.
- The S&P 500 hovered slightly above the 6,000 mark.
- The Nasdaq 100 gained over 100 points to trade around 21,860.
- Small caps outperformed, with the Russell 2000 climbing 1%.
On a sector basis, consumer discretionary led gains, while energy …