US Futures Steady Ahead of Fed Decision

2026-03-17 23:56 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

US stock futures were little changed on Wednesday as investors braced for the latest Federal Reserve policy decision.

The central bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged, while traders look for guidance from Fed Chair Jerome Powell on how surging oil prices could influence the policy outlook.

Oil prices continued to rise amid persistent Middle East hostilities, while US allies pushed back against President Donald Trump’s call to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

In regular trading on Tuesday, the Dow added 0.1%, the S&P 500 gained 0.25%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.47%.

Eight of the 11 S&P sectors closed higher, led by energy, consumer discretionary, and communication services.

In extended trading, Lululemon and Oklo declined more than 1% and 2%, respectively, following disappointing quarterly results, while DocuSign rose 1.5% on stronger-than-expected earnings.



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US Futures Steady Ahead of Fed Decision
US stock futures were little changed on Wednesday as investors braced for the latest Federal Reserve policy decision. The central bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged, while traders look for guidance from Fed Chair Jerome Powell on how surging oil prices could influence the policy outlook. Oil prices continued to rise amid persistent Middle East hostilities, while US allies pushed back against President Donald Trump’s call to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In regular trading on Tuesday, the Dow added 0.1%, the S&P 500 gained 0.25%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.47%. Eight of the 11 S&P sectors closed higher, led by energy, consumer discretionary, and communication services. In extended trading, Lululemon and Oklo declined more than 1% and 2%, respectively, following disappointing quarterly results, while DocuSign rose 1.5% on stronger-than-expected earnings.
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