The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates steady
聯準會預計將維持利率不變
On March 18, 2026, the Federal Reserve is expected to maintain its federal funds rate within the 3.5%–3.75% range.
在2026年3月18日，聯準會預計將聯邦基金利率維持在3.5%至3.75%的區間。
This cautious approach stems from global economic uncertainty caused by the conflict between the United States and Iran.
這種審慎的態度源於美國與伊朗衝突所引發的全球經濟不確定性。
This geopolitical tension has triggered a significant energy shock, driving up oil and gasoline prices and threatening to reignite inflation.
地緣政治的緊張局勢引發了嚴重的能源衝擊，推高了石油與汽油價格，並威脅重燃通膨。
Consequently, the Federal Open Market Committee faces a difficult balancing act: curbing price increases while supporting a cooling labor market.
因此，聯邦公開市場委員會面臨著兩難的局面：既要抑制物價上漲，又要支持疲軟的勞動市場。
Because of these challenges, market expectations for interest rate cuts in 2026 have decreased, with a shift toward a "higher-for-longer" strategy.
由於這些挑戰，市場對於2026年降息的預期已經降低，並轉向「更高且更久」(higher-for-longer)的策略。
Investors are closely watching the upcoming Summary of Economic Projections, which may reflect a more stagflationary outlook.
投資人正密切關注即將發布的經濟預測摘要，該報告可能會反映出更具停滯性通膨的展望。
Furthermore, this period is marked by a leadership transition, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term concludes in May 2026, with Kevin Warsh nominated as his successor.
此外，這段期間也標誌著領導階層的更迭，聯準會主席傑洛姆·鮑爾的任期將於2026年5月結束，凱文·沃什已被提名為繼任者。
