Fed Hikes Rates for First Time in Three Years Amid Ongoing Inflation Concerns

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in over three years by a quarter point to 3.75-4% on September 16, 2026.

This decision was widely anticipated and reflected the Fed's ongoing efforts to combat elevated inflation levels.

In related news, Seoul stocks closed almost flat on Thursday, with the KOSPI index ending down just 0.04% at 6,715.41.

The Korean won slipped against the US dollar, trading at 1,382.2 per USD, down 13.6 won from the previous session.

Despite the rate hike, analyst Lee Kyoung-min of Daishin Securities noted that the market's reaction was muted due to the expected nature of the decision and the ongoing impact of rising oil prices.