19 Mar 2026 International Economy FOMC meeting, March 17-18: Fed holds policy rate at 3.50–3.75% and maintains outlook for one rate cut this year (Business Brief No.42553 Full Ed.) คะแนนเฉลี่ย คะแนนเฉลี่ย 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star At the FOMC meeting on March 17-18, 2026, the Federal Reserve (Fed) voted 11–1 to keep the policy rate steady at 3.50–3.75 percent, in line with KResearch’s prior forecast. The only dissent came from Stephen Miran, who voted for a 0.25-percent rate cut. The Fed sees heightened uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict, which could delay the decline in US inflation to its 2-percent target. Nevertheless, it continues to signal one policy rate cut this year, contingent on clear evidence of easing inflation. •KResearch assesses that the Fed will remain in wait-and-see mode, holding off on policy adjustments while closely monitoring developments in the Iran war. If tensions do not escalate, inflation remains contained, and the US economy slows, the Fed is likely to lower the policy rate once in the second half of the year, as indicated in the Dot Plot. However, if the conflict persists and pushes inflation materially above target, the Fed may hold rates unchanged throughout the year. View full article Login / Register Or Enter the code from the poll Annotation This research paper is published for general public. It is made up of various sources. Trustworthy, but the company can not authenticate. reliability The information may be changed at any time without prior notice. Data users need to be careful about the use of information. The Company will not be liable to any user or person for any damages arising from such use. The information in this report does not constitute an offer. Or advice on business decisions Anyhow. International Economy Fed Related Analysis View all 14 Mar 2018 International Economy Thailand must brace for trade disputes between the US, EU and China, etc. (Current Issue No. 2905) The US is pressing ahead with trade measures against trade partners globally. In addition to their new ‘safeguard tariffs’ on imported solar panels and large washing machines imposed early in 2018, and more recently on imported steel and aluminum, the US is now preparing to implement protectionist measures against Chinese products valued at around USD60 billion. This direction will likely add significant pressure to global trade, thus, KResearch views that all eyes should be closely kept on negotiations between the US and EU, both being among the largest economies in the world. Details on those negotiations are expected to be released before the relevant ‘safeguard tariffs’ on steel and aluminum become effective at the end of next week. If the EU and China are exempted from these new tariffs, prevailing anxiety will ease. But to the contrary, without such exemptions, China and the EU may opt to implement their own trade protectionist measures against the US, as well. This situation would likely escalate into further actions and reactions, incurring significant damage to trade that could spill over to other regions of the world.... Read more 0 KB 0 KB 2 Mar 2018 International Economy Planned New US Tariffs on Metal Imports Triggering More Intense Trade Protectionism (Current Issue No. 2903) Throughout 2018, the US administration’s continual pursuit of protectionist trade measures has tended to increase volatility in global trade. Most recently, President Donald Trump announced that new “safeguard” tariffs would be imposed on steel and aluminum imports at 25 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Although no details have been released yet, it seems undeniable that trade with the US will become difficult, going forward.... Read more 0 KB 0 KB 6 Mar 2018 International Economy China’s 2018 Economic Targets Reflect Slower Economic Growth, while Monetary and Fiscal Policies are Still Being Used to Sustain Economic Growth Ahead (Business Brief No.3730) All eyes were on the National People’s Congress, March 5, 2018, because the ruling Communist Party proposed constitutional a... Read more 0 KB 0 KB 26 Jan 2018 International Economy Fed Meeting Expected to Maintain Rate Leaving Room for Increasing Rate Later (Business Brief No.3725) KResearch expects the US Federal Reserve (Fed) to maintain their policy rate at 1.25-1.50 percent during their first round of meeting o... Read more 0 KB 0 KB 26 Dec 2017 International Economy The Philippines: Rising Market of ASEAN (Current Issue No. 2887 Full Ed.) Thai exports to ASEAN-5 (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei) account for 59.3 percent of our total exports to the entire AS... Read more 0 KB 0 KB 19 Dec 2017 International Economy Chinese Economy Continues Momentum to Yearend Growth next year inches toward balance, Focus on Reforms (Business Brief No.3719) China's latest economic indicators show that the Chinese economy has maintained momentum. Although China’s domestic eco... Read more 0 KB 0 KB View all