Futures steady ahead of Fed cut

Futures steady ahead of Fed cut

U.S. stock futures held flat on August 15 ahead of the Sept. 17–18 Fed meeting, where a 25-bps cut is widely expected. Markets price about 70 bps of easing by year-end, though Powell may highlight inflation risks to temper dovish bets. Retail sales Tuesday will be the last key data before the decision.
Global markets were subdued: oil ticked higher on Ukraine-Russia tensions, the dollar eased, and Asian stocks firmed with South Korea’s Kospi hitting records. The Bank of Canada may also cut this week, while the BoE and BoJ are likely to stay on hold.
Traders are watching today’s Empire State manufacturing survey (8:30 AM EDT), the Senate vote on Fed nominee Stephen Miran, speeches from ECB’s Lagarde and Schnabel, and EU Council President Costa’s visit to Cyprus ahead of its 2026 presidency.