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 16:14 ETStocks saw significant volatility immediately following the Federal Reserve's monetary policy announcement on Wednesday but came under considerable selling pressure in the latter part of the trading session. The major averages all showed significant moves to the downside, closing firmly in negative territory.
June 17, 2026 14:42 ETPausing four consecutive sessions of losses, crude oil prices have moved higher on Wednesday as energy experts are skeptical of an early restoration of normal oil trade in the gulf region despite the likely success of the upcoming U.S.-Iran deal.
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...