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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Beat the street: Fed vigil; UAW: no deal yet; FedEx; Boeing

US stocks indicated higher ahead of Fed, despite concerns over rates staying higher for longer. US auto strikes set to continue. FedEx earnings likely to show benefits from cost cuts. Boeing upgrades China delivery forecast.

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(Video Transcript Summary)

Fed keeps us guessing

In this Beat the Street video, Angeline Ong brings us up to speed on what's happening in the financial markets. The big focus right now is the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates, which means the central bank will make borrowing money either more expensive or cheaper.

Traders think that the bank might start lowering rates in September 2024. This decision will be based on things like how prices are changing and how well the economy is doing.

There are also strikes in the car industry in the US and Canada. The workers' union is trying to get a better deal for its members. If they can't reach an agreement by Friday, the strikes might carry on. But, good news for Canada, Ford managed to avoid a strike by coming to an agreement with their workers' union.

Success of FedEx is like an economic barometer

Next up, FedEx is about to release its earnings report, which should show that the company made more money by cutting costs. People see FedEx's success as a sign that the economy as a whole is doing well. It's also worth mentioning that FedEx's competitors are struggling, so they're benefiting from that too.

General Mills, a big food company, is expected to bring in more revenue in the first quarter. Boeing, the airplane maker, has also increased its forecast for how many planes it will deliver to China.

People in the financial markets are feeling a little cautious, as they are waiting to see what the Fed decides about interest rates before they make any big moves. So, there you have it - a snap-shot of what's happening on Wall Street, covering everything from interest rates to strikes and corporate earnings.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

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