Introduction#

On March 18, 2026, traders will be closely watching a series of significant economic events that could impact financial markets. The Federal Reserve is set to announce its interest rate decision, alongside important economic data releases that may influence market dynamics.

Major Economic Events to Watch#

  • 7:30 AM ET: Producer Price Index (PPI)

The PPI measures the change in prices that producers receive for their goods, serving as an early indicator of inflation. The forecast for this report is a 0.3% increase, down from the previous 0.5%.

  • 9:30 AM ET: EIA Crude Oil Inventories

This report tracks the weekly change in the amount of crude oil stored by U.S. companies. A forecast of 0.400 million barrels is expected, significantly lower than the previous 3.824 million.

  • 1:00 PM ET: Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will announce its decision on interest rates, which play a crucial role in currency value. The rate is expected to remain at 3.75%.

  • 1:00 PM ET: FOMC Statement

This statement communicates the outcome of the interest rate vote and provides insights into the Fed's monetary policy.

  • 1:00 PM ET: FOMC Economic Projections

These projections outline the Fed's expectations for inflation and economic growth over the next two years, including individual members' forecasts for interest rates.

  • 1:30 PM ET: FOMC Press Conference

Following the interest rate announcement, the Fed will hold a press conference to discuss the decision and answer questions.

Other Important Economic Reports#

  • 7:30 AM ET: Core PPI

This measures price changes for goods and services sold by producers, excluding food and energy. The forecast is 0.3%, down from 0.8%.

  • 9:00 AM ET: Factory Orders

This report measures the change in the total value of new orders placed with manufacturers, with a forecast of a 0.1% increase, compared to a previous decline of 0.7%.

  • 3:00 PM ET: TIC Net Long-Term Transactions

This report measures the difference in value between foreign long-term securities purchased by U.S. investors and those sold to foreign investors.