Bloomberg News Now March 19, 2026: Fed Holds Rates Steady, Trump on Gas Site Attacks, More
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Mar 19, 2026 Coverage of the Fed keeping rates steady and Powell’s comments on inflation and uncertainty from the Middle East. Reports on strikes affecting energy facilities and reactions from political leaders. Markets respond with oil price moves and measures to calm volatility. Big tech and chipmakers plan heavy spending to meet AI-driven memory demand. HSBC may trim thousands of jobs using AI.
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Fed Holds Rates While Watching Middle East Risks
- The Fed left interest rates unchanged and still expects just one cut this year as it monitors inflation and geopolitical shocks.
- Chair Jay Powell flagged heightened uncertainty from the Middle East, refused to speculate on gas-price impacts, and said he'll stay until DOJ probe and HQ renovations finish.
Gulf Energy Attacks Push Oil Higher
- Regional strikes have directly hit LNG infrastructure, causing halted operations and damage at major export facilities in the Gulf.
- Iran and Israel exchanges hit Qatar and Abu Dhabi-linked sites after attacks on the South Pars field, pushing Brent above $107 and widening WTI discounts.
Trump's Truth Social Reaction To South Pars Strike
- Former President Trump posted on Truth Social alleging Israel attacked South Pars and claiming the U.S. knew nothing about it.
- He warned Iran the U.S. would retaliate if Qatar's LNG were hit again and said Israel would not strike the facility again.