On Wednesday, January 31st, U.S. stock markets closed lower following the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged, quashing expectations of a rate cut as early as March.
The Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) maintained its key policy rate at 5.25%-5.50% amidst signs of slowly easing inflation and a robust economy.
In economic data, U.S. private businesses added 107,000 workers in January, down from December's 158,000, missing estimates of 145,000. Civilian worker compensation costs rose 0.9% in Q4 2023, below the previous quarter's 1.1% increase.
Related: Powell Chills Investors, Says ‘I Don't Think It's Likely' Rate Cuts Arrive In March, Stocks Sink
All 11 major U.S. stock indexes closed in the ...