Megacap-led earnings, Fed meeting to watch out for this week

The US stock rally confronts a potentially consequential week to keep its momentum heading into year-end, including a flood of corporate results headlined by megacap companies and a likely interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve after its two-day policy meeting.

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US-China trade tensions could come to a head in the coming days, while a persistent US government shutdown further unsettles the backdrop for investors.

Stocks have weathered increased volatility this month, with the S&P 500 posting an all-time closing high on Friday, after a 36 per cent climb since its low for the year in April. The benchmark index is up over 15 per cent year-to-date.