Market Minute - Wall Street Awaits Fed's Warsh, Oil Prices Surge
As the Federal Reserve prepares to meet under new Chair Kevin Warsh, markets are on edge due to a lack of clear forward guidance and uncertainty around inflation and growth. While interest rates may remain unchanged at 3.5%–3.75%, there's about a one-in-three chance for a 25-basis-point hike. The Fed has not adjusted rates since late-2025, when it cut them three times. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have caused oil prices to spike after Iran launched missile attacks on U.S. forces and regional allies responded with strikes. WTI crude futures rose above $84 a barrel from high-$60s levels just weeks ago. In South Korea, semiconductor-related stocks plunged due to concerns over capital spending by SK Hynix Inc., which reported a significant earnings increase but also announced plans for substantial investment in 2026.
Tickers: $SKHYV
Topics: Federal Reserve geopolitical tensions oil prices stock market volatility