The Dow Jones Industrial Average concluded a challenging 10-day losing streak on December 18, 2024, closing up by 1.2% following a forecast from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell that sent ripples across global stock markets. Analysts viewed Powell’s comments as a clear signal that fewer interest rate cuts are anticipated in 2025. The Fed’s cautious stance, highlighted in Powell’s address, indicates a strong commitment to curbing inflation as the economy adjusts to stability post-pandemic. The implications of this forecast were felt worldwide, leading to declines in key international stock indexes, with the S&P 500 falling 0.5%.
Dow Jones Ends 10-Day Losing Streak Amid Concerns Over Federal Reserve Policies
