Major Indices Rise as Fed Holds Rates Steady; Powell Flags Inflation Risks
U.S. equities climbed Wednesday following the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates at 4.25%-4.5%, with Chair Jerome Powell highlighting mounting economic uncertainties. The S&P 500 gained 0.43%, while the Nasdaq Composite ROSE 0.27% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 284 points (0.7%). Disney buoyed the Dow after surpassing earnings estimates and reporting unexpected growth in Disney+ subscribers.
Though the rate pause was anticipated, the Fed’s statement and Powell’s remarks revealed deepening concerns about persistent inflation amid slowing economic activity. "The Committee is attentive to risks on both sides of its mandate," Powell noted, signaling cautious monitoring of trade and price stability challenges ahead.
