U.S. Federal Reserve may hike interest rates to nearly 6%

The U.S. Federal Reserve may hike interest rates to nearly 6%, according to BofA Global Research [1], as strong U.S. consumer demand and a tight labor market are pushing up inflation levels. BofA analysts noted that the inflation rate could reach 5% by the end of 2023, which could lead the Fed to hike policy rates in order to contain the surge in prices [2]. This could lead to higher borrowing costs for consumers, as well as higher yields for Treasury securities [3].

References:

[1] Fed might raise policy rates to 6% – BofA – Yahoo Finance

[2] Fed Might Raise Policy Rates to 6% – BofA – US News Money

[3] Fed might raise policy rates to 6% – BofA – Nasdaq

Dow closes more than 200 points lower Tuesday

The stock market suffered a rough day, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling more than 200 points on Tuesday [1]. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 234.11 points, or 0.7%, to 32,654.98. The S&P 500 shed 0.3% to end the day at 3,969.69, and the Nasdaq Composite closed 0.1% lower at 11,455.54 [2]. Analysts attributed the losses to profit-taking after the index’s rally in the previous week [3].

**DJI – DJI Real Time Price. Currency in USD**

The major averages had a mixed month of February, with the Dow and S&P 500 index ending with losses, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.4% for the month [4

References:

[1] Stock market today: Live updates – CNBC

[2] Dow Jones Drops 200 Points After Stock Market Plunge

[3] The Dow Dropped 200 Points Tuesday. Don’t Blame Didi and …

The S&P 500 shed 0.3% to end the day at 3,970.15

On Tuesday, the S&P 500 shed 0.3% and closed at 3,970.15 [1]. This was a choppy day for stocks, with the S&P 500 up 0.5% near 4,013 in recent trade, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average pushed up 88 points, or 0.3%, to 32,914 [2]. The S&P 500® is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities [3]. As of March 1, the S&P 500® is down -4.00 (-0.10%) compared to the previous closing price [4