Fed Rate Decision and GTC 2026 Conference to Shape Market Outlook Next Week

The conflict among the U.S., Iran, and Israel has entered its third week, and the ongoing turmoil in energy commodities markets is evolving into a major issue. In short, rising oil prices mean higher inflation, which undermines corporate profitability and ultimately forces markets into a struggle. Next week, seven major central banks will announce interest rate decisions, leaving markets to navigate through extreme uncertainty. The market’s primary focus is on the Federal Reserve: Thursday, 02:00 — The Fed’s FOMC releases its interest rate decision and Summary of Economic Projections; Thursday, 02:30 — Fed Chair Powell holds a monetary policy press conference. The market generally expects the Fed’s policymakers to hold rates steady at next week’s meeting. Recent developments in the macroeconomic landscape have completely reshaped the Fed’s interest rate outlook. This Thursday’s meeting will be Powell’s second-to-last, so a balanced and cautious tone is anticipated. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) and the dot plot, as expectations for two rate cuts have weakened following the recent surge in oil prices. Key economic data to be released next week includes: Monday, 21:15 — U.S. February Industrial Production MoM; Wednesday, 04:30 — U.S. API Crude Oil Inventories for the week ending March 13; Wednesday, 20:30 — U.S. February PPI YoY, U.S. February PPI MoM; Thursday, 20:30 — U.S. Initial Jobless Claims for the week ending March 14, U.S. March Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index. Economic data from the U.S. and Europe will be released in dense succession.