why are markets down today

Markets are down today primarily due to investor caution ahead of the Federal Reserve's upcoming decision on interest rates, which is expected to include a widely anticipated rate cut. Investors are weighing the mixed economic signals, including robust retail sales despite inflation concerns and a shaky labor market. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, such as drone attacks on Russian energy facilities which caused oil price fluctuations, and some corporate-specific news, like FDA warnings impacting certain stocks, add to market volatility. The political dynamics around the Fed and differing views on how much to cut rates also contribute to the uncertainty driving the market decline today.