The Federal Reserve is widely expected to deliver its first interest-rate rise since 2023 this afternoon, a move that could spark tensions between Chairman Kevin Warsh and President Trump. Markets are largely calm ahead of the 2 p.m. ET policy announcement, with the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 opening higher and the Dow flat. The 10-year Treasury yield has retreated just below 5%, and Brent crude futures are down slightly at around $107 a barrel. The stage has been set for the Fed to raise rates by a widening conflict in the Middle East that has pushed up oil prices and boosted inflation expectations. The foreign ministers of Iran and China held talks in Beijing Wednesday, and Beijing issued a statement saying it wants to avert further escalation in Yemen, where Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have taken effective control of a crucial Red Sea shipping route.
Apple Inc.The Fed is expected to raise rates for the first time since 2023, lifting the effective federal funds rate.
Rate-hike expectations and elevated inflation from higher oil prices keep the 10-year Treasury yield near 5%.
