Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) shares are trading lower due to concerns about future rate hikes following the recent FOMC statement and lower-than-expected initial jobless claims data. The company's significant debt obligations and financing needs could lead to higher borrowing costs if the Federal Reserve signals future interest rate hikes. This could reduce Verizon's profitability and impact its stock price. Additionally, rising interest rates could make fixed-income investments like bonds more attractive than dividend-paying stocks like Verizon, potentially putting downward pressure on its stock price.