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Fed Chair Powell speaks at 14:30 GMT — Markets watching for rate guidance signals
The Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate at 5.25–5.50% in its latest meeting, citing persistent inflation concerns while acknowledging slowing economic growth. The US Dollar Index fell 0.4% following the announcement.
Gold prices climbed to a new all-time high above $2,450 per troy ounce as investors sought safe-haven assets amid escalating geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
The S&P 500 reached a new record close after better-than-expected earnings from major technology companies. NVIDIA and Microsoft both beat analyst estimates, driving the Nasdaq 100 up 1.8% on the session.
Bitcoin traded in a tight range between $70,000 and $74,000 this week as spot ETF inflows moderated from their record pace. Analysts remain bullish on the medium-term outlook ahead of the next halving cycle.
Apple Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $98.3 billion, beating consensus estimates by 4.2%. The Services segment grew 22% year-over-year, now accounting for 28% of total revenue.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde hinted that the ECB is approaching the conditions needed to begin cutting interest rates, with June cited as the earliest possible date for the first reduction.