After three consecutive sessions of rise, New York’s major stock exchanges started Wednesday (26) with a slight increase. Investors are evaluating labor market data and activity, looking for more information about the health of the US economy, given the high degree of division among members of the Federal Reserve (Fed) on the direction of interest rates.
The Dow Jones index rose 0.40% to 47,298.92 points, near 11:35 am. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 0.48% to 6,798.44 points. The Nasdaq index advanced 0.65% to 23,174.12 points.
The technology sector rose 1.18%, with Alphabet shares falling 0.64%, after three consecutive historical rises, and Nvidia assets rising 2.38%.
Bets on a December cut have intensified in recent days, especially after New York Fed District President John Williams said he still sees room for cuts. Economic indicators released throughout the week, in UBS GWM’s view, reinforce expectations of a Fed funds reduction. “We still expect two additional interest rate cuts by the first quarter of 2026,” the bank says.
Earlier, initial unemployment insurance claims in the United States totaled 216,000 claims in the week ending November 22, lower than the consensus of 225,000 new claims.