US Stocks Mixed After Fed Cuts Rates Amid December Hike Uncertainty

U.S. stock futures showed mixed trading following the Federal Reserve's 25-basis-point interest rate cut and Chair Jerome Powell's cautious remarks that further easing in December is uncertain, leading to volatility and tempered investor optimism. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipped slightly, while the Nasdaq 100 futures edged higher, driven by gains from major tech companies like Nvidia, which reached a $5 trillion market value. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which they agreed to cooperate on several fronts, including lowering tariffs on fentanyl-related exports to combat the drug crisis and stabilize trade. Despite Powell's comments suggesting a more hawkish stance and potential pause in rate cuts until March, strong earnings reports from companies such as Caterpillar and anticipation for others like Amazon and Apple are influencing market direction. The market's cautious tone reflects uncertainty from delayed economic data due to a government shutdown and differing views among Fed officials on future policy moves. Overall, while the Nasdaq hit record highs, the Dow and S&P 500 closed mostly flat or slightly lower amid mixed investor sentiment.