Stocks (^DJI, ^IXIC, ^GSPC) face downward pressure ahead of pivotal market catalysts, including the highly anticipated Amazon (AMZN) earnings and the Federal Reserve's impending policy decision. BNY Mellon Head of Investment Strategy and Equity Advisory Solutions Alicia Levine joins Catalysts to provide her insights on market outlooks.

Levine acknowledges that earnings have been a driving force behind market movements, with companies reporting better-than-expected results. However, she emphasizes that investors "can't get away from the macro story" — economic growth remains resilient, while inflation continues to show stickiness. Still, Levine stresses that markets have "held up pretty well."

Addressing concerns over potential rate hikes, Levine believes the Federal Reserve is unlikely to pivot in that direction. However, she cautions that a prolonged higher-for-longer interest rate environment could create a "squeeze" on certain sectors of the economy.

For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts.

This post was written by Angel Smith