<div id="readability-page-1" class="page">Mixed market close: The S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq gained while the Dow slipped, reflecting diverging investor sentiment as rate hike expectations grow. Fed outlook shifts: Market odds of a 2026 rate cut have dropped to about 5%, while chances of a hike rose to nearly 22% amid persistent inflation. Historical warning signs: Rising volatility with record highs has previously preceded significant market pullbacks, raising caution for investors.</div>

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<p>Stocks closed mixed with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gaining, while the Dow fell, indicating differing investor sentiment amid rising rate hike expectations. The likelihood of a 2026 rate cut has decreased to about 5%, while the chance of a hike has increased to nearly 22% due to ongoing inflation. Additionally, rising volatility at record highs has historically signaled potential market pullbacks, prompting caution among investors.</p>

- The S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted gains, while the Dow experienced a decline, indicating mixed investor sentiment amidst increasing rate hike expectations.  
- The likelihood of a 2026 rate cut has fallen to approximately 5%, while the probability of a rate hike has increased to nearly 22% due to ongoing inflation concerns.  
- Rising volatility at record highs typically signals potential market pullbacks, prompting caution among investors.

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Stocks end mixed as Fed hike odds rise sharply