UnitedHealth Group (UNH) shares edged lower to $589.69, down from the previous close of $592.22, as investors brace for the Federal Reserve's anticipated rate cut. Despite opening at $595.00 and reaching an intraday high of $598.79, the stock faced pressure, hitting a low of $587.76. Historically, UNH has shown strong performance in non-recessionary rate cut cycles, as highlighted by CNBC Pro, which identified it as a top gainer alongside Nike and Amgen. The broader market sentiment remains optimistic, with the S&P 500 gaining nearly 26% over the past year, marking its strongest 12-month performance heading into a Fed easing cycle since 1987, according to Deutsche Bank strategists. However, the current rally's magnitude may limit further upside, as noted by Bloomberg's Tatiana Darie. Despite the dip, UNH's historical resilience in similar economic scenarios suggests potential for recovery as the market adjusts to the Fed's monetary policy direction.