Market Sentiment Reaction to Federal Reserve's Policy Easing

Wall Street's main indexes moved upward in choppy trading as investors reacted to comments from Federal Reserve policymakers and factory activity data. Largely driven by the Fed's initiation of monetary policy easing, the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq saw moderate increases. Key sector performers included energy, while healthcare stocks underperformed.

Wall Street's primary indexes saw slight increases amidst volatile trading on Monday. Investors were keenly observing comments from Federal Reserve officials and data on factory activity, in the aftermath of the Fed's decision to start easing monetary policy.

This significant move by the Fed last week buoyed the main indexes for monthly gains. Historically, September tends to be a weaker month for equities. The S&P 500 is nearing an all-time high, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded a new intraday high.

Eight out of the 11 S&P 500 sectors traded higher, with energy stocks leading the gains. Healthcare, however, saw a decline. Rate-sensitive growth stocks like Tesla and Meta showed increases, while Apple saw a minor loss. Notable movers included Intel, which rose on news of potential investment, and GM, which slipped following a stock downgrade.

(With inputs from agencies.)