In holding rates, monetary policymakers also noted the ‘uncertain’ impacts of the Iran war.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a press conference following the Federal Open Markets Committee meeting at the Federal Reserve in Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
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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.
