The SPY Trader

The Fed’s Fuse: Waiting for the Rate Cut Spark

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1452.
The market is consolidating ahead of the pivotal Fed rate decision. We analyze the divergence caused by the JPMorgan drag versus persistent strength in AI names, offering a threepart strategy: maintain core Tech exposure (QQQ), hedge against uncertainty (AGG), and look for value opportunities in Financials (XLF) anticipating a 25 basis point rate cut.

The Hawkish Cut: AI Leads Market into FOMC Decision

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1451.
Markets consolidate near alltime highs as attention shifts entirely to the upcoming FOMC rate decision. Technology remains the sole strong sector, driven by AI tailwinds and key stock movements in Nvidia and Broadcom. We analyze the high likelihood of a 'hawkish cut' (25 basis points) due to sticky Core PCE inflation and rising Treasury yields, outlining a strategy to leverage concentrated growth (QQQ, XLK) while using longterm bonds (TLT) as a potential hedge against yield volatility.

Pricing In The Cut: How To Trade A Fed Pivot

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1450.
Markets begin the week with massive optimism, pricing in an 88% chance of a 25 basis point Federal Reserve rate cut, supported by soft inflation and a cooling labor market. This 'cheaper money' anticipation continues to fuel a Kshaped rally, led by Tech and Communication Services. We detail key earnings movers like Salesforce and Meta, and discuss regulatory headwinds facing Netflix/WBD. Strategy focuses on tactical growth, overweighting Communication Services (XLC) and selective Industrials, while employing a barbell approach (Growth/Bonds) to manage risk. Avoid interestrate sensitive laggards like Real Estate (VNQ) and Utilities (XLU).

Fed Week: Will Rates Bring Cash or Coal?

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1449.
This week hinges entirely on the FOMC's final rate decision of the year. Markets are pricing in an 87% chance of a 25 basis point cut, fueling hopes for a 'Santa Claus Rally.' We examine the key employment (JOLTS, ECI) and inflation (PPI) data supporting this move. Plus, crucial AI checkups via earnings from Adobe, Oracle, and Broadcom. Our trade plan maintains a slightly Overweight equity stance, utilizing QQQ and IWM for tactical upside on a cut, while hedging risk with BND.

The Rate Cut Rally and the Great Rotation

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1448.
The market is rallying on nearcertainty of a December Fed rate cut following soft PCE data, driving a significant 'Great Rotation.' Leadership is shifting from consolidating megacap tech toward value, small caps, and sectors like Healthcare. We analyze the rotation, Netflix's massive M&A, and provide actionable ways to capitalize on the new market dynamic through ETFs like VTI, XLF, and TLT.

The Great Market Rotation: Trading the Fed’s Dilemma

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1447.
Indices approach alltime highs, masking a significant sector rotation where Value and Healthcare are outperforming MegaCap Growth. As investors anticipate the next Fed rate cut, mixed economic signals
—from low jobless claims to high job cuts
—complicate the path forward. We provide three strategies to profit from the broadening rally and manage interest rate uncertainty.

The Rate Cut Trade: Three ETFs to Buy Now

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1446.
Amid economic softening, the market anticipates a Fed rate cut. We analyze recent corporate volatility (MDB, BA) and provide three actionable strategies: hold VOO, buy dips in QQQ/XLK, and accumulate TLT for a profitable duration play.

Earnings Boom Meets Rate Cut Hopes

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1445.
The market is tracking higher, fueled by resilient corporate earnings (Marvell, Boeing) and the high probability of an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate cut. While the S&P 500 flirts with new highs, leadership is broadening beyond megacap tech into cyclicals like Industrials (XLI) and Financials (XLF), alongside strong healthcare performance (XLV). The recommended strategy is Growth at a Reasonable Price (GARP) combined with tactical diversification, overweighting cyclicals and defensive growth sectors while maintaining core exposure to confirmed AI drivers.

Small Cap Surge: Your Fed Pivot Strategy

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1444.
The market consolidates recent gains as investors await critical economic data, driven by high certainty (8085%) of a December Fed rate cut. Smallcap stocks surged, signaling renewed risk appetite. We analyze this dovish pivot and outline a strategy balancing core growth (QQQ) with ratesensitive exposure (VNQ, TLT) and international hedging (VXUS) to capitalize on lower borrowing costs and global outperformance.

Rate Cuts and Rotation: The December Market Playbook

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1443.
The script discusses the transition into December 2025 with a bullish outlook primarily driven by an 87% market expectation of a Federal Reserve rate cut, fueling the anticipated Santa Claus rally. While the S&P 500 is strong (up 16% YTD), the focus is shifting from concentrated big tech leadership to a broader market rotation, particularly into quality defensive growth names like Health Care and cyclicals like Financials (XLF). The analyst recommends maintaining diversified core exposure (VTI), using QQQ for satellite growth, and capitalizing on falling yields by adding longduration bonds (TLT) as part of a strategic shift benefiting from anticipated monetary easing and improved economic momentum.