Stocks Ended Slightly Higher ahead of Fed Meeting

U.S. stocks ended slightly higher on Monday, as investors await the Federal Reserve’s policy-setting meeting which is due to start Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 22.92 points, or 0.09%, to 26,112.53. The S&P 500 climbed 2.69 points, or 0.09%, to 2,889.67. The Nasdaq Composite added 48.37 points, or 0.62%, to 7,845.02.

Crude oil futures prices fell Monday, with investors digesting worrisome demand updates issued last week and keeping tabs on typically price-supportive risks percolating in the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate crude for July delivery fell 58 cents, or 1.1%, to settle at $51.93 a barrel. August Brent crude dropped $1.07, or 1.7%, to $60.94 a barrel.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is set to hold a two-day policy meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by more FOMC meetings on July 30 and 31.