Federal Reserve

Stocks end higher, led by financial shares; drugmakers drop

The Dow Jones industrial average closed up 125 points, or 0.8 percent, to 16,510 on Monday.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose eight points, or 0.5 percent, to 1,966 and the Nasdaq composite gained one point, or less than 0.1 percent, to 4,840.

Stocks were rebounding from sharp falls on Friday. Those declines were caused by concerns that the Fed's decision to keep interest rates at record lows signaled a weak outlook for global growth.

US stocks rise, led by energy stocks as oil prices climb

Nine of the 10 industry groups in the Standard and Poor's 500 index gained. Energy and financial stocks rose most. Chipmaker Atmel jumped after accepting a bid from Britain's Dialog Semiconductor.

KEEPING SCORE: The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 90 points, or 0.6 percent, to 16,471 as of 12:24 p.m. Eastern time. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose seven points, or 0.4 percent, to 1,965 and the Nasdaq composite gained one point, or less than 0.1 percent, to 4,828.

US stocks slump as investors mull Fed's rate decision

     

Investors interpreted the Fed's decision as a signal that the global economy is weak. Bonds rose and oil fell, pushing down energy stocks. Financial stocks, which would benefit from higher rates, also dropped.

KEEPING SCORE: The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 279 points, or 1.7 percent, to 16,394 as of 2:17 p.m. Eastern time. The Standard & Poor's 500 fell 29 points, or 1.5 percent, to 1,960 and the Nasdaq composite declined 60 points, or 1.2 percent, to 4,833.

US stocks open lower as Fed uncertainty weighs on markets

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 207 points, or 1.2 percent, to 16,462 as of 9:35 a.m. Eastern time Friday.

The Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 21 points, or 1.1 percent, to 1,968 and the Nasdaq composite declined 55 points, or 1.1 percent, to 4,838.

Financial stocks, which would benefit from higher interest rates, dropped the most in early trading.

Stocks are volatile after Fed keeps interest rates low

The bumpy trading Thursday came after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates low, citing weakness in the global economy and unsettled financial markets.

Bond prices rose, sending yields lower, as traders reacted to the Fed's prediction that inflation will remain subdued. The dollar fell against other currencies.

Fed leaves key interest rate unchanged, citing low inflation

Ending a highly anticipated meeting, Fed officials said Thursday that while the U.S. job market is solid, global pressures may "restrain economic activity" and further drag down already low inflation.

Signs of a sharp slowdown in China have intensified fear among investors about the U.S. and global economy. And low oil prices and a high-priced dollar have kept inflation undesirably low.

Stocks turn higher after Fed keeps interest rates low

Bond prices also rose as the Fed said inflation would likely remain in check. While the Fed's decision was not a surprise, it does give investors certainty that the low interest rate environment will likely last for at least several more months.

Global stock markets waver as Fed decision nears

   

The Fed winds up a two-day policy meeting later Thursday and could raise interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade. A long period of ultra-low interest rates since the financial crisis has helped send stock and bond prices higher.

US stocks post solid gains a day ahead of big Fed meeting

Opinions are split over whether the Fed will raise its benchmark interest rate for the first time in almost a decade.

Many are speculating that the Fed will hold off and keep borrowing costs cheap. The Fed winds up its two-day meeting on Thursday.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 228 points, or 1.4 percent, to 16,599 Tuesday.

US stocks open higher; Energy sector leads the gains

 

Traders are also waiting on Federal Reserve meeting where policymakers could decide to raise interest rates for the first time in close to a decade. The meeting starts on Wednesday and wraps up a day later.

KEEPING SCORE: The Dow Jones industrial average gained 41 points, or 0.3 percent, to 16,414 as of 10:04 a.m. Eastern time Tuesday. The Standard & Poor's 500 index climbed four points, or 0.3 percent, to 1,957. The Nasdaq composite fell rose six points, or 0.3 percent, to 4,812.