S&P 500 Index: Disney Soars, AMD Gains as US Stocks Rise Ahead of Fed Forecast

Stocks Tick Higher as Traders Focus on Fed and Sector Momentum

Stocks are climbing Wednesday morning, supported by strong corporate earnings and optimism over renewed U.S.-China trade talks, while traders await the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later today. TheS&P 500 is up 0.4%, the Dow has gained 225 points, and the Nasdaq Composite is adding 0.3%, with sentiment boosted by Disney’s standout report.

Which stocks are leading early market moves?

Disney is surging over 10% after reporting better-than-expected quarterly results, with adjusted earnings of $1.45 per share on $23.62 billion in revenue. The company also raised its full-year earnings forecast, fueling broad buying in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

Uber is falling around 6% after missing revenue estimates, despite beating on earnings.

Super Micro Computer is also down more than 6% after guiding weak on revenue, while AMD is gaining over 1% following strong results.

Novo Nordisk is climbing nearly 5% on bullish guidance for weight-loss drug Wegovy.

Wynn Resorts is up about 3% after a Bank of America upgrade, despite softer results in Macau.

Sarepta Therapeutics is under pressure, dropping 18% after a sharp guidance cut that’s weighing on biotech sentiment.

How are sectors reacting in early trade?

Consumer Discretionary is leading gains, up 1.02%, driven by Disney’s performance. Financials are up 0.67%, and Health Care and Industrials are each advancing around 0.55%. Technology is posting smaller gains, up 0.22%, while Materials is the only sector trading lower, down 0.38%. The broad sector strength points to measured optimism ahead of the Fed announcement.

What’s driving trader sentiment beyond earnings?

Traders are responding positively to news that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and top trade official Jamieson Greer are meeting with Chinese counterparts in Switzerland this week. Bessent emphasized the goal of de-escalating trade tensions, which markets are reading as a stabilizing development after last month’s tariff headlines.

Attention now shifts to the Federal Reserve’s policy decision due at 18:00 GMT. Futures show a near-100% probability of a pause, but traders are watching Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference for insight on rate direction. With inflation concerns tied to tariffs still in focus, Powell’s comments may sway expectations for future policy moves.

What’s the outlook into the Fed and beyond?

Markets remain in wait-and-see mode ahead of Powell’s remarks. Persistent inflation concerns and geopolitical trade risks continue to cloud the Fed’s flexibility. Equity and bond markets may respond sharply depending on whether Powell signals concern over inflation trends or hints at eventual rate cuts. Traders will be watching upcoming CPI data and labor market reports for confirmation.

More Information in our Economic Calendar.