The market is waiting for the Federal Reserve's decision, Bitcoin remains range-bound at high levels, and US stocks, gold, and oil fluctuate within narrow ranges.

MarsBitNews · 2026-03-18T00:26:04+00:00

Middle East tensions are affecting the markets, with investors paying attention to the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. U.S. stocks rose slightly, gold and oil experienced fluctuations, and Bitcoin traded sideways around $74,000. The market expects the Fed to keep rates unchanged and is awaiting further comments from Powell.

MarsBitNews

2026-03-18 00:26:04

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Crypto News: On March 18, the Middle East situation remains tense overnight and into the morning. Investors are trying to digest the inflation impact caused by high oil prices and are turning their attention to the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision. U.S. stocks, gold, and oil fluctuate within narrow ranges, while U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar both decline. Bitcoin failed to continue its strong momentum since Monday and is trading sideways at around $74,000.

According to market data, the three major U.S. stock indices closed slightly higher: the S&P 500 up 0.25%, the Nasdaq up 0.47%, and the Dow nearly unchanged. Energy stocks rose across the board, with ExxonMobil up 1%. Most crypto-related stocks also gained: MicroStrategy (MSTR) up 1.87%, BMNR down 0.68%, and CRCL up 5.15%, breaking above $130.

Additionally, according to HTX data, Bitcoin once again failed to challenge $75,000 and has fallen back below $74,000, currently at $73,980.53. At 2 a.m. Beijing time tomorrow, the Federal Reserve will announce its interest rate decision. The market has fully priced in no change to rates and is now focused on Fed Chair Powell’s comments during the monetary policy press conference, with market expectations that Powell will reveal the Fed’s stance on interest rates amid the Iran situation.

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