Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 96 points, closing at 34,000 on the NYSE after the Federal Reserve signaled a pause in rate hikes. Analysts had lined up a flat market, yet the index managed a modest 0.2% bump.
The U.S. merchandise‑trade deficit widened again in September, climbing 2.1% to $134.9 billion – the biggest gap since March 2025 – while economists had expected a narrowing to about $130.2 billion.
Oil prices surged, with WTI futures climbing 2.8% to $102.72 a barrel and Brent up 1.6% to $115.67, pushing Treasury yields higher and adding a touch of volatility to the equity market.
India’s industrial output slipped to 6.7% growth in September from 8% in August, with the IIP at 124.3 versus 116.5 a year earlier, signaling a moderated expansion in the market.
On the corporate front, Coal India, Asian Paints, and Trent are due to report Q2 earnings Thursday, while the Fed’s meeting tonight is expected to keep rates unchanged – a less than 10% chance of another hike according to CME Group’s FedWatch.
The market anticipates that the forthcoming corporate earnings and the Fed’s stance will dictate the next session’s direction, with traders looking for clues on whether to tilt toward tech or value sectors.