Overview
- The Federal Open Market Committee voted 10–2 on Wednesday to hold the policy rate at 3.75%–4.00%, a decision that calmed immediate rate uncertainty but left the door open to another hike.
- U.S. indexes closed modestly higher after the Fed announcement, yet futures tracked by CME FedWatch sharply increased the odds of a December rate increase to roughly the mid‑80s percent range.
- Big tech moved markets after hours when Alphabet plunged more than 8% on weaker profit and cash‑flow details while Microsoft rose after reporting stronger revenue and cash generation.
- Oil prices jumped after Houthi rebels said they struck Saudi energy infrastructure, lifting energy stocks and adding a risk premium that pressured European and global market trading.
- European markets opened mixed the next morning with Spain’s Ibex down more than 1% on bank results and tax news, and Mexico’s main index fell as companies such as GCC reported softer sales, underscoring growing regional divergence.