The US Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 3.5%-3.75% during its first policy meeting of 2026 this week, signaling cautious optimism amid global economic shifts. Markets showed mixed reactions, with tech stocks dipping while renewable energy sectors rallied. 🔄
This pause follows three consecutive rate cuts in late 2025 – a move analysts say helped prevent a recession. “The Fed’s playing 4D chess with inflation,” said financial strategist Maya Chen, noting that consumer prices have stabilized at 2.8% this January.
Young investors are watching crypto markets closely, as Bitcoin briefly surged past $75,000 following the announcement. 💹 Meanwhile, Asian markets opened cautiously today, with Japan’s Nikkei dipping 0.3% while Shanghai stocks gained ground.
