Markets on edge as US Fed meets to tackle high inflation

Markets spooked as the US Federal Reserve convened to address soaring inflation on Tuesday (Sep 15). Oil prices surged, US bond yields surged, and stocks faltered amid mounting market anxiety over high inflation and artificial intelligence (AI) uncertainties. Brent crude futures neared $110 per barrel, while US diesel prices hit a record high of under $6.27 per gallon, putting strain on President Donald Trump before mid-term elections.

Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, noted the ongoing volatility in financial markets, with energy costs remaining elevated and concerns swirling about inflation and interest rates. The 10-year US Treasury yield hit 5.03%, a level last seen in 2007 before the financial crisis, as investors priced in a possible US rate hike.

The Fed commenced the rate-setting meeting, with markets anticipating a 25-basis-point increase to curb persistently high consumer prices. Inflation data last week showed US annual inflation staying well above the Fed's target. Meanwhile, the Middle East crisis and Yemen's Houthi rebels seizing a key shipping route sent crude prices soaring over $100 per barrel.

This energy cost surge has pressured central banks to raise borrowing costs. The European Central Bank recently lifted interest rates in the eurozone, while the Bank of England is expected to keep its benchmark rate steady as the UK economy struggles. Wall Street indices slipped during the session after losses in Europe and Asia.

The broad S&P 500 closed down 0.5%. Higher borrowing costs, surging fuel charges, and apprehensions over AI's rapid adoption have pushed stocks to their weakest levels in about six weeks ahead of the Fed's decision.