Ep46: Rising Records & Rate-Cut Anticipation: A Prelude to the Fed Week — September 15th, 2025

Markets began the week with cautious optimism, sending the S&P 500 up 0.5% to 6,615.28, the Nasdaq up 0.9% to 22,348.75, and the Dow inching 0.1% higher to 45,883.45, while the Russell 2000 gained 0.3% at 2,405.13. Tech was the clear driver: Tesla jumped 3.6% after Elon Musk’s stock purchase, Alphabet crossed the $3 trillion valuation mark, and storage leaders like Seagate (+7.7%) and Western Digital surged on AI-related demand. On the downside, J.M. Smucker slipped 5.2% on a downgrade, while Oracle and consumer staples lagged. Abroad, Asia’s markets rose on U.S.–China trade optimism and semiconductor demand, while Europe gained modestly with industrial and communications support. In macro flows, Treasury yields dipped as rate-cut hopes for the Fed’s upcoming meeting strengthened, gold stayed elevated, and oil hovered in the mid-$60s. Bitcoin remained stable, reflecting investor patience ahead of policy clarity. This episode guides you calmly through the numbers, sector stories, and global currents shaping the start of Fed week.