Stocks are expected to open flat on Tuesday as traders await the release of the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes. The Fed’s December meeting resulted in a quarter-point interest rate cut, with further cuts expected in 2026. The Chicago business barometer is anticipated to rise in December, but a reading below 50 would still indicate contraction. Despite a strong performance last week, stocks declined on Monday, with major averages ending in negative territory. In Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced. European markets are up, and commodities like crude oil and gold are also on the rise. Currencies are relatively stable compared to Monday’s close.

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