Rates Steady

• Fed 在最近一次會議中維持利率不變，但釋出了更為鷹派的立場，改變了投資者對未來政策走向的情緒。 • 科技產業財報持續顯示強勁數據，儘管股市反應依然不一，但在股市克服油價上漲與殖利率回升的壓力下，S&P 500 本週上漲了 1%。 • Fed 主席 Jerome Powell 宣布在下個月任期結束後不會退休，並承諾將擔任具建設性的理事，而非影子 Fed 主席。

• 聯準會週三投票決定將基準聯邦基金利率維持在 3.5% 至 3.75% 不變，理由是對伊朗戰爭導致通貨膨脹上升的擔憂。 • 這標誌著聯準會在此前 2025 年 9 月、10 月和 12 月連續三次調降 25 個基點後，繼續暫停調整利率。 • 聯準會主席 Jerome Powell 預計將於東部時間下午 2:30 舉行新聞發佈會討論此項決定，這可能是他作為聯準會主席的最後一次利率公告。

• The Guttmacher Institute released a report showing U.S. abortion rates have remained largely steady despite strict bans in 13 states. • Travel for abortions has declined as telehealth access increases, with data scientist Isaac Maddow-Zimet noting, 'It makes sense that we'd see a decline in travel for abortion.' • The findings highlight shifts in care delivery amid policy changes, impacting access in states like Illinois, Maryland, and New York.

• The U.S. Federal Reserve decided to hold interest rates steady on March 19, 2026, in its first move since oil prices spiked due to the Iran war. • Officials cite inflationary pressures from energy disruptions but project stability if conflict de-escalates. • The decision impacts American consumers facing higher gas prices, influencing mortgage and loan rates nationwide.