Market Watch: Stocks Waver Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Policy Anticipation

US equities fluctuated as investors weighed escalating US-Ukraine diplomacy against looming Federal Reserve policy signals. The S&P 500 edged higher while the Dow Jones Industrial Average oscillated NEAR flat territory, reflecting market indecision ahead of critical macroeconomic catalysts.

Geopolitical risk took center stage with Ukraine's Zelensky engaging Western leaders amid pressure to concede to Russian-aligned peace terms. The diplomatic maneuvering follows Trump's Alaska summit with Putin, injecting volatility into risk assets.

All eyes now turn to Jackson Hole, where Jerome Powell's Friday address may redefine the rate trajectory. With July FOMC minutes due Wednesday, traders are parsing every datum for clues on whether the Fed will prioritize inflation containment or economic stabilization.