Market Focus Shifts to Fed Meeting as U.S. Futures Remain Steady

U.S. stocks were mixed as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's final policy meeting of the year. The S&P 500 was unchanged, the Nasdaq slipped 0.1%, and the Dow rose 0.1%. Positive jobs data raised hopes for a "soft landing" of the U.S. economy, potentially reducing the need for aggressive interest rate hikes. The Fed is expected to hold rates steady, but investors will closely watch for comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell regarding future rate cuts. Cigna ended talks to acquire Humana, Macy's received a $5.8 billion buyout offer, and oil prices remained cautious ahead of the Fed meeting.