S&P 500 Forecast: CPI Data and Fed Policy in Focus as US Stock Market Awaits Key Signals

Despite this reversal, the uncertainty led to a selloff in equities. The Dow closed down nearly 480 points (1.1%), while the S&P 500 fell 10% from its previous high before paring losses. The Nasdaq Composite ended the session down 0.2%.

Which Sectors Struggled the Most?

Tuesday’s losses were broad-based, but industrials and materials stocks were hit hardest due to tariff concerns. The S&P 500’s industrial sector fell 1.5%, weighed down by steel and aluminum producers facing new trade uncertainties. The materials sector also declined over 1% as higher import costs pressured sentiment.

Tech stocks showed relative resilience, with the Nasdaq’s decline limited to 0.2%. However, the sector remains under pressure, as the “Magnificent 7” stocks continue to slide.

Will CPI Data Influence Fed Policy?

Traders now turn their attention to the CPI report, which economists expect to show a 0.3% rise in February, with S&P 500. A higher-than-expected reading could reinforce concerns about inflationary pressures and slow the Fed’s path to potential rate cuts.

Warren Pies, co-founder of 3Fourteen Research, cautioned that the market is still waiting for a policy response from either the Fed or the administration. “I don’t think it’s time to buy the dip just yet,” he told CNBC’s Closing Bell.

Stocks on the Move After Hours

Several stocks saw notable moves in extended trading: