US stocks began the week on a mixed note Monday as traders digested the Federal Reserve’s latest economic forecasts and signals on where interest rates may head next. The uneven start reflected caution across markets as investors reassessed the policy path after the central bank’s updated outlook.

The latest projections gave Wall Street fresh data to parse, especially around growth, inflation, and the timing of any future rate changes. That uncertainty left some sectors under pressure while others found modest support, producing a split opening across major indexes.

Market participants continue to balance hopes for a smoother policy environment with concern that borrowing costs could remain restrictive for longer than expected. For now, the tone on trading floors remains measured, with investors looking for clearer guidance from upcoming economic reports and Fed commentary.

The mixed open underscores how closely equity markets remain tied to central bank signals. Even a small shift in the Fed’s outlook can quickly alter expectations for stocks, bonds, and the broader economic backdrop.