Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Hot PPI as Micron Reports Post-Close

U.S. equity markets experienced a volatile session on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, as investors grappled with a "hawkish hold" from the Federal Reserve and a surprisingly hot inflation reading. The major indexes finished the day in the red, breaking a two-day winning streak as the reality of "higher for longer" interest rates was reinforced by both economic data and central bank commentary.Market Performance RecapThe S&P 500 (SPX) fell 1.4% to close at 6,614 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (D ...