The US Federal Reserve is set to decide on monetary policy this Wednesday, the 18th, in its first meeting since the conflict with Iran, which has driven up energy prices. Analysts expect interest rates to remain unchanged. The Fed and the European Central Bank are both meeting this week amidst heightened Middle East tensions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has increased market volatility. While the Fed is expected to maintain its current stance, focus remains on updated economic projections and comments from Chair Jerome Powell regarding future rate paths.
Fed expected to keep interest rates steady at first meeting following conflict with Iran
Wednesday, 18 March 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Inflation measures how much general prices rise over time, usually reported year‑on‑year to compare a month with the same month a year earlier. Portugal’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) estimated January inflation at 1.9% year‑on‑year, down 0.3 percentage points from December, which affects rents, wages and everyday purchasing power for residents.
