Nasdaq jumps 50 points ahead of next week’s rate decision; “Greed Index” still stuck in the Fear zone

U.S. stocks ended mixed on Thursday, but the Nasdaq Composite popped by about 50 points — a 0.22 % gain — as investors gear up for an anticipated rate cut by the Federal Reserve (the Fed) next week. With futures pricing in a nearly 90 % chance of another 25‑basis‑point cut, optimism appears widespread. Still, sentiment remains cautious: the CNN Money Fear & Greed Index moved only modestly upward, registering 38.9 — squarely in the “Fear” zone. That suggests many investors are still holding back despite the rally. Among individual movers, Dollar General Corp. soared nearly 14 % after reporting stronger‑than‑expected earnings and upbeat guidance — its highest level since August 2024. Meanwhile, Salesforce Inc. rose about 4 % on positive results, but The Kroger Co. fell roughly 5 % after delivering mixed quarterly sales figures. Earnings watchers are now waiting on updates from Victoria's Secret & Co. and MoneyHero Ltd. later today. #StockMarket #FedWatch #Nasdaq #MarketSentiment #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM