US Fed Meeting Live: Powell to announce policy decision today. FOMC to keep rate unchanged?

US equity futures edged higher and the dollar strengthened as investors looked ahead to the Federal Reserve’s policy decision for greater clarity on the outlook for the economy and interest rates.

Futures on the S&P 500 slipped 0.2% while those on the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.3%, signaling a bounce from Tuesday’s losses. Technology stocks were led higher by Tesla Inc. which rose as much as 3.7% after the electric-vehicle maker received California’s approval to start carrying passengers. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded its recommendation on the stock which has slid almost 45% this year.

Market gains are being held in check, however, by signs that President Donald Trump’s trade tariff policies are starting to weigh on economic growth and consumer sentiment. Authorities have also signaled they are not prepared to step in to support equity markets.

The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep the federal funds rate unchanged at its current range of 4.25–4.50 percent in its second monetary policy meeting of the year, scheduled for 18–19 March 2025. Read more