Tom Lee: The Fed is embarking on a gentle rate cut cycle after a prolonged pause

BlockBeats News, August 31st. In the coming weeks, the U.S. stock market will face a critical period that will determine whether the latest round of rebound can continue. Employment data, key inflation indicators, and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision will all be released in the next 14 trading days, setting the market tone for investors. The current stock market seems to be at a crossroads: the S&P 500 index just recorded its weakest monthly gain since March, and September has historically been its worst-performing month. At the same time, market volatility has almost disappeared. The VIX fear index touched the key level of 20 only once since the end of June.

"It is correct for investors to remain cautious in September," said Tom Lee, Head of Research at Fundstrat Global Advisors. "After a long pause, the Federal Reserve is re-entering a mild rate-cutting cycle, making it difficult for traders to determine their positions." This long-time bull on U.S. stocks analyst predicts that the S&P 500 will fall 5% to 10% this fall and then rebound to between 6,800 and 7,000 points. (Golden Finance)