The U.S. stock rally confronts a potentially consequential week to keep its momentum heading into year-end, including a flood of corporate results headlined by megacap companies and a likely interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve after its two-day policy meeting.

U.S.-China trade tensions could come to a head in the coming days, while a persistent U.S. government shutdown further unsettles the backdrop for investors.

Stocks have weathered increased volatility this month, with the S&P 500 close to its all-time high, after a 35-per-cent climb since its low for the year in April. The benchmark index is up over 14 per cent year-to-date.

Given that the market has rallied for several months without a particularly significant decline, equities could remain choppy in the days ahead, said Chri

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