Table of Contents

• The Fed

• U.S. Stocks

Top Stories Today

The Fed

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady on Wednesday, maintaining the benchmark range at 4.25%-4.5%, but signaled potential cuts later in the year. Policymakers anticipate two quarter-point reductions by the end of 2025, despite concerns over the impact of President Trump’s tariff policies. Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged uncertainty in the economic outlook, citing slowing consumer spending and inflationary pressures from tariffs. The Fed also adjusted its quantitative tightening strategy, reducing Treasury runoff to $5 billion monthly. Markets responded positively, with the Dow rising over 400 points, while economists remain cautious about long-term economic stability.

U.S. Stocks

Stocks rebounded Wednesday as the S&P 500 continued recovering from recent declines, buoyed by the Federal Reserve's commitment to two interest rate cuts in 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 383.32 points (0.92%) to 41,964.63, while the S&P 500 rose 1.08% to 5,675.29, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.41% to 17,750.79. Investors welcomed the central bank's steady approach amid ongoing trade tensions, as Trump's recent tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China continue to weigh on markets. Meanwhile, Trump's temporary tariff exemptions on some Canadian and Mexican imports are set to expire on April 2. Despite the rebound, all three major indexes remain significantly below their recent peaks, with the Nasdaq still about 12% off its record close.

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