economy

March 18, 2026

Inflation dominates Powell's remarks, pressures stocks. Plus, big earnings tonight

Every weekday, the Investing Club releases the Homestretch; an actionable afternoon update just in time for the last hour of trading.

Inflation dominates Powell's remarks, pressures stocks. Plus, big earnings tonight

TL;DR

  • The S&P 500 fell after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady.
  • Fed Chairman Jerome Powell cited slower-than-expected inflation reduction and the surge in oil prices as concerns.
  • The FOMC projects only one interest rate cut for the current year.
  • The Fed is balancing inflation risks from the war and tariffs against labor market risks from AI.
  • Key earnings reports from Micron, Five Below, Alibaba, Accenture, and Darden Restaurants are expected.
  • Micron's report will offer insights into the DRAM market and its impact on semiconductor chip costs.
  • Darden Restaurants' earnings could indicate changes in consumer spending patterns.

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