Equity markets were relatively unchanged on Thursday as traders digested the previous day's news. The shift in FOMC policy is promising but may not be the great news equity markets seek. While the Fed has signaled the peak of interest rates and oncoming cuts, the news is already spurring demand for homes and energy, raising the possibility inflation will accelerate again. The rate on the 10-year treasury fell to the lowest level since July during the session, indicating a significant decline in mortgage rates, while the price of oil surged more than 3.5% at the session's peak on demand hope.

The S&P 500 is still in rally mode and will likely end the year higher than it is now. The caution for traders is that the index remains below the all-time high and may be unable to cross the threshold to a new all-time high without another catalyst to drive it. The next significant catalyst is the PCE price index due on December 22nd, just in time to usher in the Santa Claus Rally if it confirms cooling inflation.