Market Storylines: Volatility Compresses, Bitcoin Swings + Small Caps Surge Ahead of Fed Decision

Eric Criscuolo, Market Strategist at the NYSE, recaps a week marked by consolidation ahead of next week’s Fed decision. After a strong post-Thanksgiving rally, the S&P 500 held above key moving averages, trading in a tight range near record highs as volatility compressed. Small caps outperformed late in the week, driven by thematic baskets tied to AI and robotics, even as rising global yields pressured equities. Crypto saw sharp swings, with Bitcoin reversing early losses to test resistance near its 20-day average. Markets close steady with attention turning to the Fed’s rate cut outlook, economic projections, and major earnings on deck.