Stocks End Little Changed as Investors Await Next Week’s Fed Rate Decision

The stock market ended Thursday with a mixed performance as investors shifted their focus to next week’s interest rate decision from the Federal Reserve. As per CME FedWatch, expectations for a rate cut now stands at 89%, boosted by soft private payroll data for November.

Overall, S&P 500 rose 0.1% to 6.857, while NASDAQ increased 0.2% to 23,505.

Tweet of the Day

Chart of the Day

Here is the one-year chart of Ecolab (ECL) as of November 17, 2025, when the stock was at $255.

Ecolab is in a steady growth trend as profits have grown at a double-digit rate (10% or more) for the past ten quarters. What’s even better is management sees 12% to 15% profit growth in 2026 as well. Management sees secular growth trends in water, hygiene, and infection prevention.

In Water, Ecolab launched a new technology for direct-to-chip liquid cooling for next-generation data centers. 3D Trasae monitors and optimizes coolant performance in real time, helping to reduce power usage by up to 10%.

Global High-Tech sales jumped 25% last quarter, and the pending acquisition of Ovivo electronics will more than double revenue. Ovivo purifies water used to manufacture semiconductors.

ECL is part of our Conservative Growth Portfolio.

Not a member? Sign up here for $25 a month.