Analysis: The fate of U.S. stocks depends on the next 14 trading days, with key economic events to follow

In the coming weeks, the US stock market will enter a crucial period, which will determine whether the latest rally in US stocks can continue. Employment data, key inflation indicators and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision will all be released in the next 14 trading days, and these events will set the market tone for investors. The current stock market appears to be at a crossroads: the S & P 500 just recorded its weakest monthly gain since March, and September has historically been its worst month. Meanwhile, market volatility has all but disappeared. The fear index VIX has only touched the key level of 20 once since the end of June. " Investors were right to be cautious in September, "said Thomas Lee, head of research at Fundstrat Global Advisors." The Fed is returning to a moderate rate-cutting cycle after a long pause, making it difficult for traders to position. "The long-time US stock bullish analyst expects the S & P 500 to fall 5-10 per cent this autumn before rebounding to between 6,800 and 7,000.