Fed Holds Rates Steady at 3.50%-3.75%
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 3.50%-3.75% despite White House pressure for cuts amid persistent inflation.
The Fed's decision comes despite persistent inflation, with the latest annual inflation rate at 2.4% in February. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, remained steady at 2.5%. These figures are still above the Fed's 2% target. Market expectations heavily favored the Fed holding rates steady in March. CME FedWatch indicated a high probability of no change, around 95.5% to 96.0%. The focus now shifts to when the first rate cut might occur, with June being the most likely scenario. The Fed's Summary of Economic Projections (SEP), including the dot plot, will be closely watched for insights into future rate expectations. The dot plot reveals where each Federal Open Market Committee member expects rates to go. A shift in the median dot plot to two cuts would be considered dovish and potentially bullish for risk assets.
