The US Federal Reserve (Fed) has maintained that one more interest rate hike is planned this year, with rates not being lowered until afterward.

The Fed’s hawkishness has kept futures markets pricing a 50-50 possibility of another quarter-point rate hike to 5.50-5.75% by year-end.

The latest September business reports may have encouraged investors to continue alert amid signals the US economy reaccelerated in the third quarter.

US manufacturing employment rose quicker than expected to its highest level of the year, easing inflation concerns.

However, crude oil prices appear to be reversing their recent rise.

The MOVE index showed its strongest bond volatility in over six weeks on Monday.

The dollar touched its highest level of the year against the euro and only balked at a one-year high at 150 yen due to Bank of Japan intervention fears.

US stocks are difficult to understand as investors balance better growth predictions with the higher-for-longer rate squeeze.