Fed Scraps 2026 Rate Cut Plans as Hormuz Tensions Drag S&P 500 Lower

The S&P 500 index experienced a significant decline of 1.9% during the third week of March 2026, closing at 6,506.46 points. This downturn followed a hawkish shift from the Federal Reserve, which officially removed potential rate cuts for 2026 from its outlook. The central bank's decision is primarily driven by persistent inflationary pressures fueled by rising energy costs. Geopolitical instability in the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical factor, as ongoing threats to oil tanker traffic continue to push global energy prices higher. Investors are now recalibrating expectations as the prospect of long-term monetary easing fades in favor of a restrictive policy stance. Consequently, the combination of supply-side shocks and high interest rates is weighing heavily on equity market sentiment.