Fed meeting updates: Powell expected to hold interest rates steady in first decision of 2026

As of 6:30 a.m. ET futures for the three major US indexes are trending higher, with the Nasdaq leading the way, signaling a nearly 1% rise at the open. That's due in large part to its tech focus, with many of the biggest tech firms reporting earnings this week. With around 7.5 hours until the Fed's latest rate decision is announced, things are a bit of a mixed bag in financial markets on Wednesday. In Europe, where markets are open, stocks are a little lower, with the UK's FTSE 100 benchmark down 0.5%, and ...