Finance

Investors are closely monitoring the upcoming quarterly results from technology giants Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, which represent nearly 44% of the S&P 500's market capitalization. Simultaneously, the Federal Reserve has begun its latest policy meeting, where officials are widely expected to keep interest rates steady amidst shifting economic projections.

Crude oil prices have stayed elevated, with Brent trading around $111 per barrel due to a continued blockade of Iranian ports and stalled diplomatic talks. While the United Arab Emirates' surprise decision to exit OPEC has introduced some supply-side corrections, ongoing regional instability continues to put upward pressure on energy costs.

The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note reached approximately 4.35% as markets adjusted for persistent inflation concerns and a potentially slower path for future rate cuts. This rise in yields has tracked alongside increased volatility in energy markets and uncertainty regarding the Federal Reserve's long-term policy stance.