{
  "id": 7959472,
  "title": "Most stocks rise as Fed defies Trump, oil prices recede on Saudi hopes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/most-stocks-rise-as-fed-defies-trump-oil-prices-recede-on-saudi-hopes",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-17T05:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/business/economy/2026-09-17-most-stocks-rise-as-fed-defies-trump-oil-prices-recede-on-saudi-hopes/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Most stocks climbed on Thursday following the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates for the first time in three years. Federal Reserve boss Kevin Warsh expressed a more hawkish sentiment, indicating the likelihood of another rate hike as officials grappled with surging inflation. Investor confidence was bolstered by the prospect of increased oil supplies from Saudi Arabia, as the country restored some capacity from a recently closed pipeline following drone attacks. Brent crude prices dipped by 0.2 percent to $105.66 at the start of Thursday trading.\n\nThe Federal Reserve made a unanimous decision to increase borrowing costs, marking the first such hike since 2023. They did this to combat inflation that had been excessively high for too long. Warsh emphasized the necessity to adjust financial and credit conditions to align more closely with the central bank's ultimate objectives.\n\nThe Fed's move, which was announced alongside a graph showing that most policymakers anticipated another rate increase before the end of the year, raised the probability of an October hike to 50:50. Asian markets reacted positively to the Federal Reserve's move, with Wall Street's three main indexes ending the previous day on a downward trend. The hike enhanced the credibility of the central bank and provided reassurance regarding officials' determination to control inflation.\n\nAs long-term government bond yields fell, investors reduced their inflation expectations, which currently stand at 3.4 percent, significantly above the bank's 2 percent target. The interest rate hike removed the immediate credibility question and sparked a new discussion about the extent of further tightening. Stephen Innes from Quintex Intel noted that the decision signaled a policy that was still supportive before Wednesday and might not yet be restrictive afterward.\n\nDespite Warsh's hawkish stance, some analysts believed his optimistic outlook on the economy could be uplifting for many. Equity markets across Asia were generally higher in early trade, with Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Wellington, and Jakarta all posting gains. However, Hong Kong and Shanghai experienced a decline. Tai Hui from JP Morgan Asset Management cautioned that the likelihood of US policy rates returning to above five percent remains limited. Nonetheless, the news of a potential equity market bull run extension appeared unlikely in the near future.",
  "summary": "Asian markets rise after the US Federal Reserve raises interest rates, while easing oil prices offer some relief as investors weigh inflation and the ongoing Middle East crisis.",
  "key_points": [
    "Federal Reserve raises interest rates for first time in three years",
    "Saudi Arabia restores oil pipeline capacity, oil prices fall",
    "Investor confidence boosted by potential further rate hikes"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Federal Reserve's interest rate hike, despite pressure from Trump, signals a firmer commitment to controlling inflation, bolstering investor confidence and enhancing the central bank's credibility.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Dubai gold prices rise after Fed rate hike, but pare gains soon",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/dubai-gold-prices-rise-after-fed-rate-hike-but-pare-gains-soon",
        "published": "2026-09-17T05:21:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}