Markets remained mixed between March 12 and March 18 as investors remained uncertain regarding the future of rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.

Markets closed in the green on Tuesday following the release of inflation data, which was in line with expectations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.6%, the S&P 500 added 1.1% and the Nasdaq composite added 1.5%.

The Technology Select Sector, the Communication Services Select Sector and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector rose 2.1%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively.

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index can be used as a fear gauge regarding equity markets. The CBOE Volatility Index declined 9.1% to $13.84 on Tuesday.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index increased 0.4% in February. This reading was largely in line with what analysts expected. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, rose 0.4% in February.

By Wednesday, the three major indexes closed mixed due to lackluster performance from technology stocks. The Dow increased 0.1%, the S&P 500 decreased 0.2% and the Nasdaq decreased 0.5%. 

The Energy Select Sector, the Materials Select Sector and the Financials Select Sector added 1.6%, 1% and 0.7%, respectively.

The CBOE Volatility Index fell 0.7% to a value of $13.75.

The three major indexes closed lower on Thursday following the release of a slew of economic data including numbers from the Producer Price Index and U.S. total business sales. The Dow lost 0.4%, the S&P 500 lost 0.3% and the Nasdaq lost 0.3%.

The Real Estate Select Sector, the Utilities Select Sector and the Financials Select Sector decreased 1.4%, 0.8% and 0.8%, respectively.

The CBOE Volatility Index added 4.7% to $14.70.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 209,000 for the week ended March 9.

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the Producer Price Index rose 0.6% in February, surpassing analyst expectations.

Markets lost on Friday as investors remained pessimistic regarding the potential of rate cuts in June. The Dow declined 0.5%, the S&P 500 declined 0.7% and the Nasdaq declined 1.0%.

The Energy Select Sector, the Utilities Select Sector and the Consumer Staples Select Sector lost 0.8%, 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively.

By Monday’s close, the Dow increased 0.2%, the S&P 500 increased 0.6%, and the Nasdaq increased 0.8%. The CBOE Volatility Index fell 0.8% to a value of $14.30.

Investors should remain vigilant of forthcoming economic data which could provide color on the future of Fed rate cuts. The markets are largely moved by investors’ conviction of when rate hikes will occur in 2024.

Currently, industries adversely affected by an increase in rates are trading at relatively discounted prices. Investors can research stocks within the Real Estate and Utilities Select Sector.