Fed Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged

In holding rates, monetary policymakers also noted the ‘uncertain’ impacts of the Iran war.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting in Washington on March 18, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged on March 18 for a second consecutive meeting, as policymakers monitor the oil shock from the Iranian conflict.

Officials kept the benchmark federal funds rate—the key lever that helps shape borrowing costs for households and businesses—at its current range of 3.5 percent to 3.75 percent.