The Federal Reserve's final meeting of 2024 will set the tone for markets heading into year-end -- and beyond

Next week's Federal Reserve policy meeting, the last one in 2024, will set the tone for markets heading into year end and shed light on what investors can expect in 2025. There will also be key inflation data. Wall Street is certain it knows what's coming at the conclusion of the Dec. 17-18 central bank meeting. Fed funds futures pricing shows a 97% likelihood that the Fed bank will lower its benchmark lending rate by a quarter percentage point, to a target range between 4.25% and 4.50%, down from the 4.50% to 4.75% today. But the meeting will also bring the Fed's quarterly summary of economic projections, or "dot plot," showing how policymakers regard inflation and the jobs market in the year ahead and the outlook for further interest rate reductions. Markets are pricing in dovish expectations, projecting three or four more rate cuts, meaning that fed funds could eventually be lowered to somewhere between 3.50% and 4.0%. If those forecasts hold true, that could give the year-end stock market rally -- which has stumbled this week -- one more upward push.

"You might see interest rates fall, and you might see the dollar fall, and you might see tech stocks go higher, if that's the case," said Joe Tigay, portfolio manager at the Rational Equity Armor Fund. "It is the Fed's responsibility to normalize interest rates," Tigay continued. "I think they're going to stick with that decision for the time being."

The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 took a reprieve from their year-end rally this week, down 1.6% and 0.6%, respectively, as of Thursday's close. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite was the only major benchmark headed for a winning week, albeit by a slight 0.2%.

Stubborn inflation

The Fed's preferred inflation gauge will also be released next week, on Friday after the Fed meeting wraps up. Economists polled by FactSet expect that the personal consumption expenditures price index eased on a monthly basis in November, to 0.17% from 0.24%, but ticked higher on annual basis, to 2.5% from 2.3%. Core PCE, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is expected to have risen 0.22%, down from 0.27% on the month, and to an annual rate of 2.9% versus 2.8% in October. If the PCE report confirms the recent trend of sticky inflation, that could hinder a market that's already regarded by many as expensive. Investors worry that inflation could resurface as a concern next year should President-elect Trump follow through on his campaign promises of mass deportations and steep tariffs imposed on imported goods. Some investors say the risk of inflation means it's time to play defense. JPMorgan's David Kelly said he recommends that investors should allocate a 50-30-20 portfolio, or 50% stocks, 30% bonds, and 20% alternatives, to benefit from diversified returns.

To be sure, investors have taken recent reports showing hotter prices in stride, confident they won't dent broad macroeconomic strength. "I do still think we're still in a bull market," Tigay said. "Even if there's inflation, it's not going to change for me as long as we have an economy that is growing." Major corporations will also report financial results next week, with Micron Technology earnings due on Wednesday, and Nike , FedEx and Darden Restaurants on Thursday.

Week ahead calendar

All times ET.