All Eyes on the Fed: Here’s What’s Moving the Markets Today 📈

Good morning! Markets around the world are starting the day on edge as investors await today’s much-anticipated Federal Reserve decision. The Fed is expected to hold interest rates steady between 4.25% and 4.50%, but everyone’s watching closely for any signals about future policy moves.

International markets are treading cautiously. Geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, with ongoing airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and missile sites. This conflict has added fresh uncertainty to energy markets, pushing Brent crude to $76.71 per barrel as traders factor in potential supply risks.

Meanwhile, economic data is also shaping sentiment. Japan reported a decline in exports, raising concerns about global demand. In the U.S., investors are awaiting key housing starts data and weekly jobless claims, both of which could influence today’s market mood ahead of the Fed announcement.

In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei rose 0.9%, Seoul’s Kospi gained 0.74%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 1.12%. China’s CSI 300 was up a modest 0.12%. European markets are mixed: the Stoxx 600 is down 0.12%, Germany’s DAX dropped 0.23%, while London’s FTSE 100 rose 0.21% and France’s CAC 40 edged up 0.11%.

U.S. futures are showing mild optimism, with the S&P 500 up 0.27%, Nasdaq 100 gaining 0.34%, and Dow Jones rising 0.20%. The big question now: will the Fed signal more rate hikes, or hint at a pause? Stay tuned!