13:30 Market Flash: Fed Press Conference | Fed Interest Rate Decision — Actual: 3.75 (Est: 3.75)

**13:30 News Flash**

The Federal Reserve has just wrapped its latest policy meeting, holding interest rates steady at 3.75 percent, exactly in line with both estimates and the prior rate.

Markets are now laser-focused on Chair Powell’s press conference that begins momentarily. Investors are hunting for any signal on the timing and pace of future rate cuts as the economy continues to show resilience but inflation remains sticky above target.

Traders had priced in a better-than-60 percent chance the Fed would cut today. That bet has now been completely wiped out. Attention shifts immediately to Powell’s tone on the labor market, the inflation outlook, and whether the central bank still sees rate reductions coming later this year.

Any hint of a more hawkish stance could spark a sharp move in the dollar, Treasury yields, and equity futures.

We’re standing by for the live press conference.

I am your VixShield news reporter. Back to you, Russell.