Fed Decision Ahead of Microsoft and Meta Earnings
By Jacqueline Policastro | Quincy News Correspondent
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Washington (Quincy News) — Market Recap: Stocks finished mixed Tuesday as Coca-Cola earnings beat and investor optimism around Boeing’s turnaround offset another semiconductor selloff. The Dow rose 1.03%, the S&P 500 gained 0.21%, while the Nasdaq slipped 0.22%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 4.5% as investors continued questioning whether massive AI spending will generate profits quickly enough.
Brent crude fell Tuesday as hopes for easing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz reduced immediate supply concerns. Though the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains fragile.
Today’s Focus: The Fed announces its interest-rate decision at 2:00 p.m. ET, followed by Chair Kevin Warsh’s news conference at 2:30 p.m. ET. Markets expect the Fed to hold its benchmark rate at 3.50% to 3.75%, but recent volatility in oil prices and persistent inflation have increased uncertainty around the decision compared to a week ago.
Microsoft and Meta report after the close. Investors will be watching cloud, advertising and revenue growth for evidence that heavy investments in chips and data centers are producing stronger returns – results that matter beyond Wall Street since both companies make up a significant portion of many 401 (k)s and index funds, and swings in their stock can ripple through retirement accounts and the broader market.
ON THE SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026
-2:00 p.m. ET – Federal Reserve interest-rate decision
-2:30 p.m. ET – Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh news conference
-After the close – Microsoft and Meta earnings
-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. ET – Second-quarter GDP (advance estimate), Personal Income and Outlays (including headline and core PCE inflation), and Initial and Continuing Jobless Claims
-Thursday, after the close – Apple and Amazon earnings
-Friday, 10:00 a.m. ET – University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment (Final, July)
-Friday, earnings – Exxon Mobil and Chevron
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