Today is D-Day!

📅 September 17, 2025
Today is one of the key days for global markets. Investors are holding their breath in anticipation of the evening meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve and the press conference of its chairman Jerome Powell. The outcome of this event will determine not only the short-term reaction of the markets but also the overall sentiment for the rest of the year.

USA: balance on the edge of change

U.S. indices showed minimal deviations ahead of the meeting: S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell by just 0.1%, Dow Jones lost 0.3%. Despite the slight pullback, all three benchmarks remain near historical highs. Six consecutive days of growth emphasize the market’s resilience and investors’ confidence.

Macroeconomic statistics added intrigue: retail sales for August rose by 0.6%, which doubled expectations (+0.3%). This indicates high consumer activity; however, inflation, recorded at 2.9% year-over-year, continues to create tension.

On the bond market, there is an inflow of buyers: the yield on 10-year Treasury bonds dropped to 4.03% – the lowest level in almost five months.

Sectors and stocks in focus

Energy and metallurgy once again found themselves among the favorites: Steel Dynamics shares jumped 6%, Valero – 3%, CVR Energy – 9%.
Particular attention of investors is focused on the financial sector. Shares of Blackstone (BX), Oppenheimer (OPY), and Houlihan Lokey (HLI) are trading at attractive levels, signaling players’ readiness to increase positions.

In the technology segment, Meta gained about 2%, approaching the formation of a new base for growth. Nvidia is testing key support levels, making it one of the main stocks investors are watching now.

Asia: mixed picture

In the Asian region, the picture is mixed. Japan’s Nikkei is holding near historical highs amid strong foreign trade data. Hong Kong indices rose 1.4%, supported by the rise of technology companies. At the same time, the South Korean market corrected by 1% after a series of renewed records. Chinese indices remain close to decade highs, reflecting sustained investor interest in local assets.

Fed: expectations and uncertainty

The key focus is on the rate decision. The consensus forecast is a 0.25% cut, to the range of 4.0-4.25%. However, the market is already pricing in the probability of two more cuts by the end of the year, which could bring the rate to 3.5-3.75%.

At the same time, it is not the rate itself that will be the main factor for investors, but the Fed’s rhetoric and updated forecasts for inflation, growth, and unemployment. Even small nuances in Powell’s words can trigger sharp market fluctuations.

What does it mean for investors?

• Short-term: the main reaction may appear either tonight or the next day, when market participants digest the Fed’s statements.
• Sector leaders: energy, metallurgy, and financial companies continue to form a stable trend.
• Growth stocks: Meta, Palantir, Nvidia, and Robinhood are forming new entry points, but high volatility requires discipline and clear stop-loss orders.
• For conservative investors: current levels are close to historical peaks, so partial profit-taking may prove a rational strategy.

⚡️ Conclusion

Global markets are on the threshold of a new stage. Historical index highs are combined with expectations of decisive signals from the Fed. The evening meeting will become a starting point: further…