US stocks trimmed losses on Wednesday, with the Nasdaq Composite finishing
slightly higher while the S&P 500 slipped and the Dow Jones Industrial Average
fell about 0.6%, as investors reacted to the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep
rates unchanged in a split 8–4 vote, the first four-way dissent since 1992. Fed
chair Jerome Powell said he will remain as a governor after his term ends.
Energy markets added pressure, with oil prices jumping more than 4%, as Brent
crude rose above $111 per barrel and WTI exceeded $106 per barrel following
reports of continued restrictions linked to the Strait of Hormuz and
Iran-related tensions.
