US Equity Markets Mixed After Fed Chair Hints at End of Quantitative Tightening Program

04:09 PM EDT, 10/14/2025 (MT Newswires) -- US equity indexes were mixed on Tuesday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted that the "quantitative tightening" program could end soon.

* Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday the central bank could soon end its quantitative tightening efforts, adding that policymakers are "closely monitoring a wide range of indicators" to determine the right time, Reuters reported.

* The federal government shutdown continued on Tuesday as lawmakers remained at an impasse over a funding agreement, with the Senate expected to vote later in the day, according to media reports. Economic data, including trade prices, retail sales, jobless claims, and producer prices, may not be released this week if the political stalemate continues.

* November West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell $1.08 to settle at $58.42 per barrel, while December Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen down $1.22 to $62.10.

* Wells Fargo (WFC) shares were up about 6.9%, leading the S&P 500, after the bank posted Q3 revenue and earnings that came in ahead of analyst expectations.

* BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX) has agreed to acquire Astria Therapeutics (ATXS) in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $700 million. Following the announcement, BioCryst shares fell about 8.9%, while Astria shares rose nearly 37%.

MT Newswires does not provide investment advice. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.