Newsfederal reserveFOMCmarket analysis
Stocks Shrug Off War Jitters Ahead of FOMC
The VIX dropped to 23.51 on Monday from 27.19 just three sessions earlier, even as Brent crude holds above $100 and the Federal Reserve prepares to deliver what markets expect will be a hawkish hold on Wednesday. That divergence — falling volatility amid rising geopolitical risk — is the most important signal in markets right now. The S&P 500 closed at 671.08 on SPY, up 0.3% on the day and clinging to its 200-day moving average at 659. The Nasdaq added 0.5%. All three major indices remain well below their 50-day averages, but the selling pressure that dominated early March has stalled. Traders aren't buying with conviction, but they've stopped panicking — and that distinction matters heading into Wednesday's rate decision.
March 17, 2026Read More