Finance

The Federal Open Market Committee opted to keep interest rates steady between 3.50% and 3.75%, yet signaled that at least one more hike may occur by the end of 2026. This hawkish outlook, led by new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, emphasizes a commitment to returning inflation to its 2% target despite signs of slowing consumer spending.

Bitcoin and Ethereum prices retreated as investor sentiment cooled following the latest Federal Reserve meeting. The prospect of persistent high interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar pressured non-interest-bearing assets, pushing Bitcoin below the $63,000 mark as traders adjusted their expectations for rate cuts in the second half of the year.

A significant drop in U.S. crude oil inventories by over 8 million barrels has highlighted ongoing supply constraints, even as global prices experience fluctuations due to stalled geopolitical negotiations. Energy experts suggest the sector is increasingly prioritizing infrastructure resilience as natural gas and conventional fuels remain critical to meeting the surging power demands of AI data centers.