China And Europe Markets Slide; Dollar Up 0.4%, Gold Steady Near Record Highs - Global Markets Today While US Slept

On Wednesday, March 19, U.S. markets closed higher after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 4.25%-4.50% and signaled two rate cuts later this year. The Fed also projected slower growth, higher inflation, and a slower balance sheet reduction.

Markets reacted positively, while uncertainty around tariffs and inflation persists. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all posted strong gains.   

In economic data, U.S. mortgage applications fell by 6.2% during the second week of March, reversing part of the 37% combined surge seen over the previous two weeks.

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All sectors in the S&P 500 ended higher, led by strong ...