CNBC Daily Open: Investors expected the Fed to hold rates — it was Powell's comments that drew interest

Group 1 - The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its key interest rate in the range of 3.5%-3.75% [1] - Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the importance of avoiding political involvement for future Fed leadership [2] - The S&P 500 index reached 7,000 for the first time but closed below that level [4] Group 2 - Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Tesla reported earnings that exceeded expectations, with Meta and Tesla shares rising while Microsoft shares fell [3] - Deutsche Bank announced record profits for the last quarter of 2025 [4] - Roche projected "high single digit" growth for its core earnings per share in 2026 [4] Group 3 - Gold prices surged past $5,500, reaching a record high, although one analyst suggested the precious metals market is "broken" [5] - China and Britain are set to deepen cooperation in key sectors following a visit by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer [3]