Morning Bid: A time to hike?

Financial markets are pricing in a quarter-percentage-point increase in the Federal Reserve’s benchmark rate to the 3.75%-4.00% range, marking the central bank’s first rate adjustment since 2023. The decision comes as policymakers navigate competing pressures from persistent inflation running above target, a low unemployment rate, and elevated oil prices stemming from Middle East supply disruptions.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh faces a delicate balancing act between economic fundamentals a