"Market Update: US Stocks Fall as Rate-Cut Expectations Face Reality Check"

US stocks fell as investors' optimism for interest rate cuts was tempered by warnings from central bankers, and concerns grew about China's economy. Despite disappointing GDP data from China, December retail sales in the US showed resilient consumer spending. Meanwhile, Spirit stock tumbled after a planned merger was blocked, and homebuilders' confidence rose as mortgage rates fell. Markets are now pricing in a lower chance of a March rate cut by the Federal Reserve.