The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average increased on August 27 after the Federal Reserve unveiled a framework that could keep interest rates lower.
The 30-stock Dow increased by 0.6%, which equals to 160.35 and reached 28,492.27. Earlier in the session, the average became positive for 2020. The S&P 500 boosted 0.2% at 3,484.55. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.3% to 11,625.34.
Stocks started to increase after Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, said the central bank allowed to a policy of “average inflation targeting.” That means that the central bank will let inflation run “reasonably” above 2%.
Jim Cramer, American television personality, said that this is incredible. Powell said, “we will let things run and will not be a part of the equation until the economy recovers.”
Significantly, the central bank has been trying hard to keep inflation at 2%.
Jerome Powell also said that unemployment data could remain instant (low) before the FED starts thinking about raising rates.
Gregory Faranello, Executive Director, Head of U.S. Rates, said: “Today was a meaningful day.” This is Powell saying,”‘we don’t fight for the job market strong for just Wall Street bankers and people that are doing well. We want it for the people that need it the most.'”
Bank stocks boosted broadly
Bank stocks increased broadly. Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo increased at least 1.9%. Citigroup climbed 1.7%. The benchmark 10-year rate boosted to 0.74%, and the 30-year bond yield rose to 1.501%.
Those bank benefits were offset as Big Tech shares fell across the board. Facebook decreased by 3.5% while Netflix fell 3.9%. Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple declined at least 0.9%. While, Microsoft rose nearly 2.5%.
The VIX (Cboe Volatility Index), the best “fear gauge,” on Wall Street increased by 1.12 points to 24.39. The VIX also reached its peak since August 3.