Fed Meeting Today | US Stock Market LIVE Updates: US futures rose 0.5% on Wednesday (March 18), building on moderate gains on Wall Street as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later in the day. With higher oil prices feeding into broader inflation, the Fed is widely expected to keep rates on hold.
Concerns over global oil and gas supplies and rising prices continue to weigh on markets. Brent crude, the international benchmark, eased slightly to $103.14 per barrel, down from above $106 on Monday. US benchmark crude declined 1.6% to $94.67 per barrel.
Geopolitical tensions intensified after Iran launched multiple attacks on its Gulf neighbours and Israel following the killing of one of its top leaders in an airstrike. Some of its latest missiles reportedly evaded air defences, with two fatalities reported near Tel Aviv.
The Federal Reserve is scheduled to announce its interest rate decision on Wednesday afternoon. Traders see virtually no chance of a rate cut, according to data from CME Group.
While rate cuts could support economic growth and the labour market, they risk fuelling inflation further. President Donald Trump has been calling for cuts, even as policymakers remain cautious about price pressures.
Watch this space for all the LIVE US stock market updates.
