June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.
June 17, 2026 14:27 ETFollowing Kevin Warsh's first monetary policy meeting as Federal Reserve chairman, the central bank on Wednesday announced its widely expected decision to leave interest rates unchanged. The Fed said it decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3.50 to 3.75 percent, citing its dual goals of maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run.
June 17, 2026 11:37 ETStocks have shown a lack of direction over the course of the trading day on Wednesday, with the major averages bouncing back and forth across the unchanged line following the mixed performance seen in the previous session. Currently, the major averages are narrowly mixed.
June 17, 2026 13:38 ETGold prices have edged higher on Wednesday as the upcoming U.S.-Iran deal signing on Friday continued to revive market spirits, while the focus of investors also turned to the interest rate announcement by the U.S. Federal Reserve. However, today's strength in U.S. dollar capped the gains.
June 17, 2026 09:18 ETCryptocurrencies declined in the past 24 hours amidst growing anxiety about the Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook. The decision of the first FOMC under the leadership of Kevin Warsh would be known on Wednesday afternoon. Markets expect the Fed to hold rates steady but are less sure about the...