Morning Bid: A timely hike

On September 16, 2026, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years, with Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh overseeing a unanimous decision to increase the policy rate by a quarter point to 3.75%-4.00%. The move was seen as a response to persistently above-target inflation and signs of a strengthening economy.

Despite the hike being in line with market expectations, Warsh's tone was more hawkish than anticipated, as he hinted at further tightening measures to come. The policy statement emphasized that the rate increase would support a timelier return to the 2% inflation target. President Trump, who had previously advocated for easier policy, called for lower interest rates once again but avoided criticizing Warsh, marking a shift from his treatment of his predecessor Jerome Powell.

The decision has left the market content, with 10-year Treasury yields easing below 5% following the announcement. However, the path forward remains unclear, with further interest rate hikes imminent from other central banks, including the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan.