WS #15826
US markets closed lower with the Dow down 0.35% and the S&P 500 nearly flat, while the VIX rose nearly 3% in after-hours trading, indicating rising volatility expectations. Boston Fed President Collins signaled that another rate hike is on the table before the end of 2026, adding to inflation concerns. This macro backdrop, combined with geopolitical risks, is creating a challenging environment for growth stocks and high-multiple assets, with traders positioning for increased market swings ahead of key earnings reports from TSMC and ASML.
US Macro and Market Volatility
US markets closed lower with the Dow down 0.35% and the S&P 500 nearly flat, while the VIX rose nearly 3% in after-hours trading, indicating rising volatility expectations. Boston Fed President Collins signaled that another rate hike is on the table before the end of 2026, adding to inflation concerns. This macro backdrop, combined with geopolitical risks, is creating a challenging environment for growth stocks and high-multiple assets, with traders positioning for increased market swings ahead of key earnings reports from TSMC and ASML.