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Fed Hikes Rates by 0.25 Percent for First Time Since 2023

By Markets Desk · 2026-09-17 · Updated 2026-09-17 13:01 UTC
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Illustration: Tradingbird

The Federal Reserve has hiked rates by 0.25 percent for the first time since 2023, with Chair Kevin Warsh citing persistent inflation and rising energy costs driven by geopolitical conflicts. While the move aims to curb price pressures, it has triggered a bond market sell-off and drawn criticism from political figures demanding lower rates.

  • Per GN markets/policy (en-US), Fed Chair Kevin Warsh defended the central bank's independence against political pressure, noting that summer data showed little improvement in underlying inflation. He also warned that geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, have pushed energy costs higher and contributed to a significant sell-off in US bond markets, with 10-year yields hitting a 19-year peak.

    Source: centraljersey.com

  • The Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate target range by 25 basis points on Wednesday. This marks the first rate hike since 2023. The move aims to slow inflation.

    Source: TODAY.com
Based on reporting by TODAY.com and centraljersey.com, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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