Wall Street subdued after Fed holds rates steady

The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.50% for a fourth straight meeting in June 2025, aligning with market expectations. Policymakers remain cautious as they assess the broader economic effects of President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly on tariffs, immigration  and tax reform. Despite holding rates, officials still anticipate two rate cuts later this year. US equity markets erased earlier gains by late afternoon, with investors weighing the Fed’s stance and rising geopolitical risks. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 all ended marginally lower after earlier climbing as much as 0.50%.

In Europe, stock markets fluctuated throughout the day and closed slightly lower as investors digested global monetary policy signals, trade-related uncertainties and heightened tensions in the Middle East. The Eurozone’s STOXX 50 and the broader STOXX 600 each slipped 0.40%, finishing at  5 270 and 540, respectively. President Trump mentioned that Iran had made contact to discuss easing attacks from Israel, though his hawkish tone persisted.

Locally, the JSE All Share Index ended 0.35% higher on Wednesday, buoyed by steady inflation data. South Africa’s annual inflation rate remained at 2.80% in May—the same as April’s five-year low—while monthly CPI rose just 0.20%, slightly below the 0.30% recorded in April. Core inflation also held at 3%, the lowest since July 2021.

In Asia, the Hang Seng fell 1.10% to 23 711, declining for a second session as hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East faded. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.90% to a four-month high, helped by weaker economic data that reduced pressure on the Bank of Japan to raise rates. 

In commodities, Brent crude dropped over 1% to $75.20, retreating from session highs on signs of possible US-Iran dialogue.