5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens Friday

The Fed's Rate Hike Decision

The Federal Reserve will announce its decision on interest rates at 2:00 p.m. ET. Investors are widely expecting a 25-basis-point hike, which would be the first increase since 2018. A larger-than-expected hike could weigh on stocks, while a smaller hike could boost them.

Earnings Season Continues

Several major companies are reporting earnings this week, including Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet. Investors will be looking for signs of how the companies are performing in the current economic environment.

The Ukraine Crisis

The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to weigh on markets. Investors are worried about the potential impact of the conflict on the global economy and corporate earnings. Any escalation in the conflict could lead to further volatility in stocks.

Economic Data

The Commerce Department will release its report on personal income and spending at 8:30 a.m. ET. Investors will be looking for signs of how consumers are responding to the rising cost of living.

Technical Analysis

The S&P 500 is trading near its 200-day moving average, which is a key technical level. A break below this level could trigger further selling.