Wall Street Set for Lower Open as Investors Assess Rate Path, Geopolitical Risks

WALL STREET - NEW YORK. U.S. stock indexes were on track to open lower on Monday as investors recalibrated their expectations for the Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, while exercising caution amid heightened geopolitical tensions and ahead of key inflation data, policymaker comments and third-quarter earnings.

Investors are pricing in an over 88% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the Fed meeting in November, according to the CME's FedWatch tool. Just a week ago, markets were hopeful of a second, outsized 50 basis point reduction.