U.S. stock index futures fell 1% today (20th Sept.2021), as investors worried about rising COVID-19 cases and the pace of economic growth at the start of a week in which the Federal Reserve will decide on potentially tapering its massive pandemic-era stimulus.
Futures tracking the blue-chip Dow index, which mainly comprises stocks reliant on a steady economic recovery, were down 1.5% by 04:31 a.m. ET.
Wall Street's main indexes have been hurt this month by fears of potentially higher corporate tax rates denting earnings and have shrugged off signs inflation might have peaked. The benchmark S&P 500 is on track to snap a seven-month gaining streak.
All eyes on Wednesday(22nd Sept.) will be on the Fed's policy meeting, where the central bank is expected to lay the groundwork for a tapering, although the consensus is for an actual announcement to be delayed until November or December meetings.
Read more