Federal Reserve holds policy steady as it balances growth and inflation concerns
Bitcoin remained sharply lower for the session following the expected decision by the U.S. central bank.
By James Van Straten|Edited by Stephen Alpher Mar 18, 2026, 5:59 p.m.
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What to know:
- As expected, the Federal Reserve left its benchmark fed funds rate range unchanged at 3.50%-3.75%.
- Chairman Jerome Powell's post-meeting press conference begins at 2:30 PM ET.
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark fed funds rate range steady at 3.50%-3.75% on Wednesday, as expected.
Down nearly 4% ahead of the anticipated decision following a surge in oil prices and poor inflation data earlier on Wednesday, bitcoin remained sharply lower at $71,600 in the moments following the news.
Market participants are also not expecting the Fed to cut rates at its next meeting on April 29, with the CME FedWatch Tool indicating a 97% probability that rates will remain unchanged. Only one additional rate cut is currently priced in by the end of the year.
The U.S. central bank must balance what appears to be a slowing employment market with inflation that remains well above its 2% target. Adding to that is the March attack against Iran, which has sent the price of oil to nearly $100 per barrel versus less than $60 earlier this year.
Investors will now turn their attention to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s post-meeting press conference at 2:30 pm ET for further insight into the central bank’s outlook.
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The era of cheap money is over as the Iran war creates a permanent 'inflation floor'
By Omkar Godbole|Edited by Aoyon Ashraf51 minutes ago
The Iran war is creating a permanent inflation floor that could end the era of cheap money and expose the fragility of global energy markets.
What to know:
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