Equity markets were mixed on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 struggling to extend its longest winning streak in 2 years. The move comes after a sharp melt-up driven by the Q3 earnings season, cooling inflation, and evidence the Fed is nearing the peak of the rate hike cycle, so a slowdown in upward momentum is expected.

The caveat for investors is that the new normal is still in place and will continue to drag on corporate earnings over the coming quarters. The S&P 500 may continue to rally from here, but there is risk. The market is still below critical resistance at the 4,400 level and may have difficulty moving above it without another significant catalyst.

All eyes will be on central bankers on Thursday. Central bankers from around the world will participate in a panel discussion. The topic is global financial stability and will include inflation and interest rates. The risk in this event is talk of persistent inflation and lingering interest rates, which are hurting the global economy. Signals that inflation is tamed or that rates will soon fall could lift the market.