Federal Reserve holds steady as inflation fears mount

Federal Reserve holds steady as inflation fears mount

Author: Financial Times March 19, 2026 Duration: 11:58

The US has relaxed sanctions on Venezuela’s state-owned oil group Petróleos de Venezuela and the Federal Reserve has stuck with plans to cut rates later this year. Plus, Walmart won patents to give algorithms more sway over prices and fears of an immediate escalation in the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan have eased.


Mentioned in this podcast:

Federal Reserve chief Jay Powell says Iran oil crisis will worsen US inflation

Pakistan and Afghanistan pause hostilities after Kabul hospital attack

Walmart wins patents to give algorithms more sway over prices

US relaxes sanctions on Venezuela’s PDVSA amid global energy squeeze

Send us your tariff story: marc.filippino@ft.com

Credit: Federal Reserve


Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts 


Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Sonja Hutson, and produced by Fiona Symon and Victoria Craig. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s Global Head of Audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


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Start your morning with the essential context for the day ahead. FT News Briefing, directly from the Financial Times newsroom, cuts through the noise to deliver a concise, authoritative overview of the global business and political developments that truly matter. Each episode is a focused, ten-minute digest designed for the time-pressed, offering clarity on complex market movements, geopolitical shifts, and economic policy decisions. You’ll hear the FT’s expert analysis woven into the reporting, providing not just the headlines but the underlying forces at play. This daily podcast serves as an efficient primer, whether you’re commuting or preparing for your first meeting, ensuring you’re informed on the stories that will define conversations in boardrooms and beyond. Released every weekday morning, it’s a reliable filter for the overwhelming flow of information, built on the FT’s legacy of rigorous journalism. Tune in to transform the way you catch up on world events, turning a few minutes into a strategic advantage for your day.
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