S&P 500: What Is the Chart Impact of the Fed on 09/17?

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision on Wednesday, September 17, will be decisive for the trajectory of U.S. equity markets at the end of 2025. Depending on Jerome Powell’s choice, scenarios range from a stock market crash to a new all-time high, with more neutral consolidation phases in between. Five possible options emerge, each with specific implications for the S&P 500 and the Russell 2000, which I describe below.


First case: no pivot.
If the Fed decides to keep rates unchanged throughout 2025 due to overly resilient inflation, then the scenario is clearly bearish. The lack of monetary support would suffocate market momentum, triggering a 20–30% crash in the S&P 500, dropping it to between 4,800 and 5,000 points. The Russell 2000, more fragile and sensitive to the macroeconomic environment, would retreat toward its critical support zone of 1,600–1,700 points.

Second case: a limited technical pivot.
The Fed might opt for just one rate cut in September or October, justified by a temporary adjustment to the labor market. In this case, markets would not see it as a strong easing signal but rather as a circumstantial gesture. Result: the S&P 500 would decline toward the 6,000–6,100 area, with a parallel correction of the Russell 2000 around 2,000 points.

Third case: a real and healthy pivot.
This is the most favorable scenario for Wall Street. Disinflation is confirmed near 2%, employment remains under control, and the Fed initiates a genuine rate-cutting cycle starting in September or October. In this context, the underlying bullish trend would regain full strength: the S&P 500 would head toward 6,700–7,000 points, while the Russell 2000 would break out of its consolidation to surpass its November 2021 record.

Fourth case: an unhealthy pivot.
Here, the Fed cuts rates in a more fragile environment: inflation remains near 3%, but it is primarily labor market deterioration that drives the decision. Markets could still find support from lower credit costs. The S&P 500 would preserve its former record at 6,200 points and likely aim for 6,700 points. The Russell 2000, more sensitive to financing conditions, would fully benefit from this easing, also surpassing its 2021 high.

Fifth case: the emergency Fed Put.
Finally, in the darkest scenario, a shock to employment would trigger a brutal Fed intervention, with a “jumbo cut” and a series of rapid rate reductions. While this support might contain the recession, the immediate reaction would be a sharp drop: the S&P 500 would plunge into bear market territory before a potential recovery tied to monetary easing. The Russell 2000 would follow the same trajectory.




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