What time is the Fed decision and Powell’s remarks in Japan time?

The FOMC statement is expected around 03:00 JST on March 19, followed by the Powell press conference at about 03:30 JST. Liquidity can thin before and after, so plan orders ahead and review spreads if you trade U.S. stocks or FX overnight.

How could FOMC March 18 affect USD/JPY and Japan investors?

A dovish tone and steady mid‑year cuts could nudge Treasury yields lower, easing USD/JPY and hedging costs. A hawkish tilt would likely lift yields and the dollar, helping unhedged exporters but pressuring growth stocks. Consider how your portfolio handles currency and rate sensitivity.

Which S&P 500 levels matter most this week?

Watch the Bollinger lower band at 6714.51 as near support, the 50‑day average at 6881.214 as resistance, and the 200‑day at 6608.1157 as a trend guardrail. Year high sits at 7002.28. Volatility could rise with ATR at 94.12, so size positions carefully.

What are rate cut expectations after today?

If the dots and Powell keep June in play, markets may price two to three cuts by year‑end, with front‑end yields easing. A pushback would reduce cuts priced and lift real yields. We will update probabilities once FOMC March 18 guidance and Q&A are digested.

Global Market Insights

^GSPC Today, March 18: Fed Hold; Powell, Oil Shock to Steer Risk

ByHuzaifa Zahoor March 18, 2026

FOMC March 18 is the key event for global risk today. The Fed is widely expected to hold rates, so guidance and the Powell press conference will drive stocks, yields, and USD/JPY. For Japan-based investors, the focus is on rate cut expectations into mid‑year, any oil shock inflation warnings, and how that shapes hedging costs and sector tilts. We break down the setup for the S&P 500, scenario paths, and timing in JST so you can plan entries and risk.