The S&P 500 is just 2.3% away from its all-time high, yet the benchmark continues to struggle near the key psychological resistance threshold of 6,000. Prior to Friday, the index hadn’t seen a move exceeding 0.6% in either direction for seven straight sessions, marking its longest period of stability since December 2024, Bloomberg reports.
This Wednesday, the Federal Reserve (Fed) will announce its interest rate decision, coinciding with the release of US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Market analysts surveyed by the news agency believe that a sustained rally in American stocks would require easing global trade tensions. Though this appears unlikely in the near term.
Meanwhile, traders are closely monitoring macroeconomic data releases. Over the past three months, the S&P 500's average realized volatility reached nearly 42% on days featuring key US economic reports, including inflation data, nonfarm payrolls, and Fed policy decisions. During all other trading sessions, volatility remained significantly lower at 29%, according to Asym 500 research.