Stocks higher, Fed in focus, Ford strike deal, General Mills, FedEx

^{Five things you need to know before the market opens on Wednesday September 20:}

1. -- Stocks nudge higher as Fed rate decision looms over global markets

 A pullback in oil prices and a modestly softer dollar will give markets a small boost heading into today's Fed rate decision at 2:00 pm Eastern time.

2. -- Fed Preview: new dot plots in focus as markets split on 2023 rate path

With markets expecting no change in Fed rates today, focus will shift to the central bank's new 'dot plots' for clarity on Powell's next move.3. -- Housing starts in focus as mortgage rates pummel homebuilder sentiment

Higher mortgage rates have, so far, failed to blunt gains for new home construction. But that could change as homebuilder sentiment begins to turn.

3. --  Ford reaches deal with union workers in Canada as UAW strike enters day 6

Ford avoided a second strike at its assembly and engine plants in Ontario, but talks remain stalled with UAW leaders in the United States.

4. -- General Mills earnings on deck with margins, price hikes in focus

The consumer staples group is likely to see more margin pressures as it looks to offset rising input costs with higher prices.

5. -- FedEx earnings to focus on price hikes, cost-cutting as UPS takes market share

Recent price hikes, as well as the group's ongoing cost-cutting effort, are likely to be in focus as FedEx publishes its first quarter earnings after the closing bell.