Shares of Atlanticus, ICE, PayPal Surge on Rate Pause Hints

Shares of Atlanticus Holdings, Intercontinental Exchange, and PayPal moved higher in recent trading after a Federal Reserve official signaled that the central bank could keep interest rates steady for now. The gains reflected renewed optimism that policy tightening may be nearing a pause.

In prepared remarks, Fed Governor Christopher Waller pointed to signs that inflation is cooling. He specifically highlighted a drop in the three-month annualized reading of the personal consumption expenditures price index, suggesting that recent data supports holding rates at current levels.

Waller also struck a cautious note, warning that ongoing uncertainties could still force the Fed to resume rate hikes. His balanced stance left investors weighing the possibility of further tightening against the prospect of an extended pause.

Following his comments, market-implied odds for a September rate increase fell considerably. The shift boosted a range of stocks, with Atlanticus Holdings, Intercontinental Exchange, and PayPal among the notable advancers as traders positioned for a less aggressive Fed.