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Only Alphabet rose after earnings, while Meta, Amazon and Microsoft fell despite beating expectations after-hours

Alphabet was the only Magnificent 7 stock to rise in after-hours trading following earnings on Wednesday. Meta Platforms, Amazon and Microsoft fell despite all four firms beating analysts’ earnings and revenue forecasts.

Alphabet shares rose 5.8% after-hours, from just under $350 to $370. Meta dropped over 6%, while Microsoft and Amazon each fell by about 2%.

Alphabet Earnings And After Hours Reaction

Alphabet reported GAAP earnings per share of $5.11, above the $2.67 analyst estimate. First-quarter revenue was $109.9 billion, around $3 billion above consensus.

Net income rose by over 80% year on year, mainly due to unrealised gains on nonmarketable equity securities. These securities nearly tripled in value over the past year to almost $37 billion.

Google Cloud revenue rose 63% from a year earlier to $20 billion. Search revenue increased 19% to $60.4 billion.

YouTube advertising revenue grew 11% year on year to nearly $10 billion. Subscription, platforms and devices revenue rose 19% year on year to $12.4 billion.

Options Positioning And Trading Setup

Other Bets and Google Network recorded small revenue declines.

Given the after-hours move to $370, we should expect a significant “IV crush” in Alphabet’s options. Traders who sold puts or short strangles ahead of the announcement are likely seeing significant profits as the uncertainty has been resolved. The focus now shifts from pre-earnings speculation to post-earnings momentum.

The market has clearly signaled its preference, making bullish strategies on GOOGL attractive for the coming weeks. We should look at buying call options or implementing bull call spreads targeting the $400 psychological level. The strong performance in its core Search and Cloud segments provides a fundamental tailwind for this momentum.

This earnings season is creating a clear divergence, which is ideal for pairs trading. Consider buying GOOGL calls while simultaneously buying puts on a competitor like Meta, which showed weakness despite a beat. This strategy bets on Alphabet’s continued outperformance against its hyperscaler peers, insulating the position from broader market risks.

This selective reaction reminds us of the market’s behavior back in 2025, when the initial AI hype gave way to a demand for tangible results. During 2025, we saw many companies make AI promises, but now investors are rewarding only those who demonstrate clear monetization and profit growth. Alphabet is now being viewed as a primary beneficiary, not just a participant.

Google Cloud’s 63% year-over-year revenue growth is a critical statistic that justifies this enthusiasm. Recent industry reports from Q4 2025 showed Google’s cloud market share climbing to nearly 15%, taking share directly from Amazon Web Services. This acceleration is evidence that Alphabet’s AI investments are successfully translating into high-growth enterprise contracts.

Looking ahead, traders should be positioned for further updates at the upcoming developer conference. Given the CEO’s confidence in the Gemini App, we could see further product integrations that act as the next catalyst for the stock. Longer-dated call options could be a prudent way to maintain exposure to this unfolding AI narrative through the summer.

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Following the Fed’s hawkish rate pause, the US Dollar Index nears 99.00 as Powell departs leadership

The US Dollar Index (DXY) traded near 99.00 on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged. It was Chairman Jerome Powell’s last meeting as Fed chair.

The decision passed 8–4, the most divided FOMC vote since October 1992. Stephen Miran dissented for a quarter-point rate cut, while Beth Hammack, Neel Kashkari, and Lorie Logan supported holding rates but opposed adding an easing bias to the statement.

Geopolitics And Market Reactions

US President Donald Trump said he would maintain a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz if Iran does not accept his nuclear terms. He also said he “Will knock out the rest of the missiles and systems if we don’t make a deal with Iran.”

EUR/USD fell towards 1.1660, with markets focused on Thursday’s ECB meeting. GBP/USD slipped towards 1.3470 ahead of the Bank of England decision due Thursday.

USD/JPY traded near a two-year high at 160.40. USD/CAD was near 1.3680 after the Bank of Canada left rates unchanged.

WTI rose to $106.95 per barrel, while gold fell towards $4,540 amid a firmer dollar. The UAE said it will leave OPEC, with limited impact on oil prices.

Thursday’s diary includes China PMI, French Q1 GDP, eurozone ECB rates, Canada February GDP, and US Core PCE, Q1 GDP, jobless claims, and income data. Friday includes Australia PPI, Switzerland retail sales, Canada manufacturing PMI, and US ISM manufacturing PMI.

Looking Back And Looking Ahead

Looking back to this time in 2025, we saw a very divided Federal Reserve delivering Jerome Powell’s final meeting with a hawkish hold. This decision, combined with geopolitical tension, sent the US Dollar Index soaring near 99.00. That strength pushed USD/JPY to a peak of 160.40, a level that has proven to be remarkably persistent over the last year.

The dollar’s dominance continued through much of 2025, but the landscape is now shifting in April 2026. With recent core PCE inflation figures finally cooling to 2.8%, chatter about the Fed’s first rate cut is growing louder, with markets pricing in a 75% chance of a cut by the third quarter. Traders should consider options strategies that profit from a potential decline in the dollar, as this pivot marks a significant change from last year’s hawkishness.

Last year’s surge in WTI crude to over $106 a barrel was a direct result of threats to the Strait of Hormuz. While those specific tensions have eased, the market remains tight, with WTI currently trading near $85 a barrel. Last week’s EIA report showed a surprise crude inventory drawdown of 2.5 million barrels, suggesting demand is robust, and any new supply disruption could send prices climbing again.

The USD/JPY pair is a key focus, as the 160 level we saw in 2025 is once again being tested. The interest rate difference between the US and Japan remains wide, providing underlying support for the pair. Derivative traders should be cautious of direct intervention from Japanese authorities but could use options to trade the high volatility expected around this historic level.

Gold took a hit this time last year, falling as the dollar strengthened. Now, the opposite scenario is taking shape, with gold trading firmly above $3,800 an ounce. With the Fed poised to cut rates and central banks like China’s continuing their strong buying trend—adding 160,000 troy ounces in the first quarter of 2026 alone—the environment looks increasingly supportive for gold bulls.

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Sterling declines as the Fed keeps rates unchanged, with GBP/USD staying negative as Powell concludes chairmanship

GBP/USD stayed in a negative intraday move on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve held interest rates unchanged at Jerome Powell’s final meeting as Fed Chair. The pair traded near 1.3480, down 0.30%, ahead of Powell’s press conference.

The pound fell towards the 1.3480 area as the US Dollar strengthened before the Fed decision. US Dollar demand was also supported after the United Arab Emirates exited OPEC, which lifted safe-haven flows.

Market Focus Shifts To Central Banks

During the European session, GBP/USD was broadly sideways around 1.3500. Traders were waiting for monetary policy updates from both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England.

Looking back at late 2025, we can see the market was nervous about the end of the Powell era at the Fed. The pound was trading around 1.3500 against the dollar then, a level that seems very distant from where we are today. That period marked a clear turning point for the dollar’s strength.

Since then, the policy paths of the two central banks have split dramatically. The new Fed leadership has been forced to keep rates elevated to fight stubborn US inflation, which latest figures show is still hovering around 3.8%. In contrast, the Bank of England has softened its stance as UK inflation has cooled to 2.5%, shifting its focus more towards avoiding a recession.

This divergence is backed by the latest economic data from just last week. US jobless claims came in at a strong 205,000, while the UK reported a surprise 0.7% fall in retail sales for March. These numbers reinforce the view of a robust US economy versus a fragile UK one, keeping downward pressure on the GBP/USD pair, now trading near 1.2250.

Trade Ideas And Volatility Watch

For traders, this suggests that bearish strategies on the pound remain attractive. We should consider buying GBP/USD put options with strike prices around 1.2100 to profit from further downside in the coming weeks. For those expecting a slower grind down, selling out-of-the-money call options provides a way to collect premium while maintaining a bearish bias.

Volatility in the pair could also pick up around upcoming central bank meetings. Any hint from the Bank of England that it is preparing for a rate cut would likely accelerate the pound’s decline. This makes long volatility positions, such as straddles, an interesting play ahead of those key dates if you expect a large move but are unsure of the direction.

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Powell said rates stayed unchanged after March meeting, leaving the Fed well positioned to adjust policy either way

The Federal Reserve kept the Fed funds target range unchanged at 3.50%–3.75% at its April meeting, as expected. The decision passed 8–4, with one dissenter backing a cut and three opposing the inclusion of an easing bias.

The FOMC said economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace, while job gains have been low on average and the unemployment rate has changed little. Inflation remains elevated, with global energy prices, and developments in the Middle East adding to uncertainty.

Policy Path Less Certain

Jerome Powell said policy is not on a preset course and remains appropriate, with risks on both sides of the dual mandate. He cited PCE inflation at 3.5% in March and core PCE at 3.2%, with near-term inflation expectations higher and longer-term expectations consistent with 2%.

Powell said the policy rate is at the high end of neutral and slightly restrictive, and that the Fed is positioned to move in either direction. He said no one is calling for a rate hike now, but the Fed would signal before any hike or cut.

After the announcement, the US Dollar Index rose towards 99.00 as Treasury yields moved higher. The CME FedWatch Tool pointed to about an 80% probability that rates stay where they are by end-2026, with little to no chance of a cut until at least September.

The Federal Reserve is holding rates steady, but the ground is clearly shifting underneath us. Uncertainty from the Middle East and its effect on energy prices has created a situation where policy could move in either direction. This means the path of multiple rate cuts we anticipated back in late 2025 is no longer a certainty.

Market Positioning And Volatility

With headline PCE inflation at 3.5% and WTI crude oil holding above $90 a barrel, the market’s focus has changed. We’ve seen this before; during the energy shocks of the 1970s, sustained high oil prices forced central banks into a much more aggressive stance. Derivative markets are now pricing out rate cuts for the remainder of the year, reflecting the serious risk that inflation will remain elevated.

The US Dollar Index (DXY) pushing towards the 99.00 level shows that traders are positioning for a stronger dollar. This is reinforced by rising US Treasury yields, which make holding dollar-denominated assets more attractive. Options strategies that benefit from a stronger dollar, or at least hedge against a weaker one, should be considered in the coming weeks.

The split 8-4 vote within the Committee signals significant internal disagreement, which is a recipe for market volatility. With the next 60 days being critical, we should expect sharp moves on every major data release, especially CPI and employment reports. This environment is favorable for traders using volatility-based strategies, like straddles or strangles, on major indices and currency pairs.

The upcoming change in leadership at the Fed, with Kevin Warsh expected to take the helm, adds another layer of hawkish risk. Looking back at his commentary from the late 2010s, he has historically been more concerned with inflation than many of his peers. The market will likely begin pricing in a less accommodative Fed leadership, further reducing the odds of rate cuts this year.

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After Powell’s remarks, the Fed stayed on hold, boosting dollar demand and pushing AUD/USD near 0.7100

AUD/USD fell towards 0.7100 on Wednesday, down about 1%, after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged. Jerome Powell said he plans to remain on the Fed’s board after his term as Chair ends on 15 May, and said he will keep a low profile while a criminal investigation continues.

The Fed said the US economy remains resilient, unemployment “has been little changed in recent months”, and inflation is elevated due to higher energy prices linked to the Iran conflict. It added that Middle East developments are increasing economic uncertainty, while officials continue to weigh both parts of the dual mandate.

Fed Vote Split Details

The decision passed by an 8–4 vote. Stephen Miran dissented in favour of lowering rates, while Beth Hammack, Neel Kashkari, and Lorie Logan opposed adding an easing bias to the statement.

The pair extended losses from about 0.7120 and broke below 0.7110, with focus on 0.7100. If that level gives way, attention turns to the 50-day SMA at 0.7056, followed by 0.7000.

Key AUD drivers include RBA interest rates, Chinese economic conditions, and iron ore prices. Iron ore is Australia’s largest export, worth $118 billion a year based on 2021 data.

Looking back at the Federal Reserve’s divided stance in 2025, we can see how it set the stage for today’s market on April 30, 2026. The dollar strength that followed that meeting has largely persisted, pushing AUD/USD down from the 0.7100 level discussed then to its current trading range around 0.6550. This established downtrend reflects the long-term consequences of that hawkish sentiment.

Market Implications For Traders

That old Fed statement flagged resilient growth and inflation, a theme that echoes today. With the Fed funds rate holding firm in the 5.25% to 5.50% range and recent US inflation data surprising to the upside at 3.5%, the case for a strong dollar remains intact. The policy divisions we saw last year highlighted the difficulty the Fed would face in pivoting to rate cuts, a reality we are still living with.

On the Australian side, the economic picture is mixed, creating headwinds for the Aussie dollar. While China, Australia’s biggest customer, posted a better-than-expected 5.3% GDP growth last quarter, persistent weakness in its property sector has kept iron ore prices subdued near $115 per tonne. This weighs on Australian export revenues and caps any significant rallies in the currency.

For derivative traders, this environment suggests the path of least resistance for AUD/USD remains to the downside. Selling out-of-the-money call options or establishing bear call spreads could be a viable strategy to collect premium while betting on continued range-bound trading or a further slow grind lower. Given the established trend, implied volatility may not be excessively high, offering reasonable entry points for such positions.

However, we must remain vigilant for any shifts in central bank policy that could disrupt this trend. Any sign that the Fed is turning more dovish ahead of market expectations could cause a sharp reversal. Therefore, buying protective puts on AUD/USD could serve as a cost-effective hedge against a sudden snap-back rally fueled by unexpected policy changes.

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Sterling-dollar stays lower intraday after the Fed leaves rates unchanged at Jerome Powell’s final chair meeting

GBP/USD stayed weak near 1.3480 and was down about 0.30% after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged. Markets waited for Jerome Powell’s press conference for direction on the US Dollar.

The Fed described the US economy as resilient and said the unemployment rate has been little changed in recent months. It also said inflation remains elevated and linked some pressure to higher energy prices tied to the Iran conflict.

Fed Outlook And Middle East Uncertainty

Officials said Middle East developments are adding uncertainty to the economic outlook. The Fed said it will keep balancing its dual mandate goals.

The decision passed on an 8–4 vote. Stephen Miran dissented in favour of a rate cut, while Beth Hammack, Neel Kashkari, and Lorie Logan opposed adding an easing bias to the statement.

Powell said Kevin Warsh cleared an early step towards becoming his successor. He said he plans to remain a Fed Governor until a criminal investigation involving him concludes, and stay after May 15, when his eight-year term as Chair ends.

GBP/USD dipped to about 1.3467 and tested the 100-day simple moving average. A break lower could open 1.3400, while a softer Powell tone could push it towards 1.3500.

Market Implications For The Dollar

Looking back at the Federal Reserve’s final meeting under Jerome Powell in 2025, we can see the seeds of today’s market uncertainty were already being sown. The significant 8-4 split vote on holding rates highlighted deep divisions that have persisted under the new leadership. With US core inflation proving sticky at 3.6% this month and unemployment steady at 3.8%, the hawkish members from that meeting appear to have solidified their influence.

The concerns over higher energy prices linked to the Iran conflict, which were noted last year, have evolved but not disappeared. While that specific tension has cooled, ongoing global supply chain disruptions have kept WTI crude futures trading in a volatile band above $85 a barrel. This persistent energy cost continues to add an element of unpredictability to the inflation outlook that the Fed must navigate.

The transition from Powell to Kevin Warsh has resulted in a more decisively hawkish tone from the central bank, removing the ambiguity we saw this time last year. Markets are now pricing in less than a 20% probability of a rate cut before the fourth quarter, according to recent CME FedWatch data. This firm stance is anchoring the US Dollar’s strength against other major currencies.

For derivative traders, this suggests a strategy of positioning for continued US dollar strength and potential market volatility. Given that the VIX index has recently climbed from lows near 12 to just under 18, buying out-of-the-money calls on volatility could be a cost-effective way to hedge against sudden market swings. Using option spreads like bear call spreads on EUR/USD may also offer a defined-risk way to capitalize on a stronger dollar.

When we consider GBP/USD, its test of the 1.3400 level in the spring of 2025 now seems like a distant ceiling. The policy divergence has only widened, as the Bank of England is now openly discussing rate cuts to stimulate a sluggish domestic economy. This makes long-dated put options on the British Pound an increasingly relevant strategy to hedge against further downside for the pair.

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Trump discussed Ukraine’s war and US-Iran relations with Putin during the Federal Reserve policy announcement

US President Donald Trump said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the same day as a Federal Reserve monetary policy announcement. He said they discussed the Russia–Ukraine situation and US relations with Iran.

Trump said he suggested “a bit of a ceasefire” in Ukraine. He also said Putin would like to help and that they discussed which war might end first, with “maybe similar timetables”.

Geopolitical Signals And Market Sensitivity

On Iran, Trump said the US would “knock out the rest of the missiles and systems” if no deal is reached. He did not provide further details.

The report said his remarks had no effect on financial markets at that time. It said markets were focused on the Middle East crisis and the Fed decision, ahead of a speech by Chair Jerome Powell.

We remember looking back in 2025 at these old communications between world leaders. While that specific phone call had little effect then, the themes of Ukraine and Iran are more important than ever for market volatility today. These geopolitical risks are now major factors in our daily positioning.

The conflict in Ukraine remains a critical source of risk, especially for energy markets. European natural gas prices have seen a 12% jump in volatility over the past month, and any talk of escalation could cause sharp price swings. We should consider buying call options on energy ETFs to hedge against sudden supply disruptions heading into the summer.

Fed Policy And Rates Positioning

Tensions in the Middle East are also putting a floor under oil prices, with Brent crude holding firmly above $90 a barrel. Recent naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz have kept shipping insurance premiums elevated, a cost that feeds directly into inflation figures. We see traders increasingly using options on crude oil futures, like WTI, to play the upside risk.

More pressing for the coming weeks, however, is the Federal Reserve’s path. With the latest core PCE inflation data for March 2026 coming in at 2.8%, markets are now pricing in only one potential rate cut this year. This makes options on interest rate sensitive instruments, such as Treasury bond ETFs, a crucial tool for managing portfolio duration risk.

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Following the Federal Reserve’s unchanged rates, silver stays pressured by higher yields and a stronger dollar

Silver (XAG/USD) fell on Wednesday as the US Dollar strengthened and US Treasury yields rose. It was trading near $71.20, down more than 2% on the day.

The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark rate at 3.50%–3.75%, as expected. The decision was split 8–4, with Stephen Miran backing a 25 basis point cut, while Beth Hammack, Neel Kashkari and Lorie Logan opposed adding any easing bias to the statement.

Fed Signals Inflation Still Elevated

The Fed said economic activity is expanding at a solid pace and labour market conditions are stable, with the Unemployment Rate little changed in recent months. It also said inflation remains elevated, partly due to higher global energy prices.

The Fed referenced geopolitical risks, with Middle East developments adding uncertainty to the outlook. It repeated its aim to support maximum employment and return inflation to a 2% target over time.

On charts, XAG/USD is below the 50-day SMA at $78.45 and the 100-day SMA at $79.63, but above the 200-day SMA at $62.56. The RSI (14) is near 38 and MACD is below zero.

Support is near $62.56, then $54.00, while resistance sits at $78.45 and $79.63. The technical section was produced with help from an AI tool.

Silver Outlook Shifts As Policy Eases

Looking back at the Fed’s hawkish stance in 2025, we can see how a divided committee and inflation fears kept silver prices suppressed. The metal struggled around the $71 level as the market braced for higher interest rates for a longer period. That environment created significant headwinds for non-yielding assets like silver.

Today, the landscape is notably different, with the Federal Reserve having already initiated two 25-basis-point rate cuts in early 2026, bringing the benchmark rate down to the 3.00-3.25% range. This pivot was driven by cooling inflation, with the latest CPI report for March showing a welcome decline to 2.8%. This easing cycle fundamentally changes the opportunity cost of holding silver.

We see silver now trading much higher, consolidating around the $85 mark and reflecting the shift in monetary policy. With the Fed signaling at its last meeting that another cut is likely before the end of the third quarter, buying call options on silver futures for the coming months is a prudent strategy. These positions would benefit from further upside as lower interest rates and a softer dollar typically boost precious metal prices.

In 2025, we noted that silver was trading below its key 50 and 100-day moving averages, which acted as strong resistance. Currently, the metal is holding firmly above these same moving moving averages, which are now acting as support for the ongoing uptrend. This technical strength suggests that dips are likely to be viewed by the market as buying opportunities.

While the outlook is positive, we remain mindful of the support levels from that period, particularly the structural floor noted around $54. An unexpected reversal in the Fed’s policy due to a sudden economic shock remains the primary risk to our bullish outlook. Therefore, using options can help define risk, allowing us to participate in the upside while capping potential losses.

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Following the Federal Reserve’s hawkish rate pause, USD/JPY trades around 160.20, close to a two-year peak

USD/JPY traded near 160.20, close to a two-year high, after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged. It was described as the last meeting chaired by Jerome Powell, and the statement said inflation is “elevated”, ahead of Powell’s press conference.

Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to become Fed Chair, was confirmed by the US Senate Banking Committee in a 13-11 vote. He still needs full Senate confirmation before replacing Powell on May 15.

Geopolitical And Policy Drivers

White House officials said President Trump has discussed with oil companies continuing the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz until Iran agrees to a nuclear deal. The report coincided with rises in both the US dollar and oil.

Japan is due to release Retail Trade later today, Tokyo CPI on Thursday, and Bank of Japan policy minutes on Friday. The pair is near levels where the Japanese Government has previously intervened verbally.

On the four-hour chart, USD/JPY traded at 160.26, above the 20-period and 100-period SMAs at 159.53 and 159.22. Prior levels around 160.17 acted as support, while the RSI (14) was near 67.

Resistance was noted at 160.32 and 160.36, with support at 160.17 and 159.82. Additional support sat at 159.53 and 159.22.

Historical Parallels And Intervention Risk

We remember looking at the dollar-yen pair touching 160 back in 2025 after a hawkish Federal Reserve hold. That situation was driven by a strong dollar and geopolitical tensions, which feels very similar to the factors at play right now. This history provides a clear playbook for how the market might behave in the coming weeks.

The primary risk now, as it was then, is direct intervention by the Japanese government. We saw this in April and May of 2024, when authorities spent an estimated ¥9.8 trillion to defend the currency after it weakened past the 160 level. Given this precedent, derivative traders should consider buying yen call options or USD/JPY put options to hedge against a sudden, sharp strengthening of the yen.

This nervousness is already being reflected in the options market, where one-month implied volatility for USD/JPY has climbed above 11%. That is a significant increase from the sub-8% levels we saw at the start of the year. This means protection is getting more expensive, so acting sooner may be beneficial.

The underlying pressure on the yen remains due to the massive interest rate differential between the U.S. and Japan. With the Federal Reserve funds rate holding at 4.75% and the Bank of Japan’s policy rate at a mere 0.10%, the incentive to favor the dollar is overwhelming. This fundamental reality suggests that any intervention-driven dips in the pair could be short-lived.

This tension is visible in risk reversals, which show that the cost of options protecting against a drop in USD/JPY has risen sharply. Traders are paying a much higher premium for puts than calls, signaling that the market is bracing for a potential surprise move lower. This defensive positioning is a key signal for how to structure trades over the next few weeks.

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EUR/USD trades near 1.1670, down 0.48%, after Fed holds rates steady; attention shifts to Powell’s press conference

EUR/USD hovered near 1.1670 after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged. The pair was down 0.48% on the day, with focus on Jerome Powell’s press conference at 18:30 GMT.

The Fed said the economy remains solid and the unemployment rate “has been little changed in recent months”. It said inflation is elevated, linked to high energy prices tied to the Iran war.

Fed Statement And Market Focus

The FOMC said Middle East developments are creating a high level of uncertainty for the economic outlook. It said it will weigh both parts of its mandate.

The decision featured an 8 to 4 split vote, with Governor Stephen Miran favouring a rate cut. Beth Hammack, Neel Kashkari and Lorie Logan voted against adding an easing bias to the statement.

EUR/USD fell below 1.1680 after the statement was seen as slightly hawkish. The reaction was linked to three members opposing an easing bias.

The Fed has two mandates: price stability and full employment, and it targets 2% inflation. It holds eight policy meetings a year, with 12 officials taking part in FOMC meetings.

Policy Tools And Volatility Outlook

Quantitative easing increases credit and often weakens the US Dollar, while quantitative tightening does the reverse and tends to support it. QE was used during the 2008 financial crisis.

The divided Federal Reserve vote signals significant uncertainty for the coming weeks, especially with a change in leadership. We should expect currency and interest rate volatility to rise as the market awaits clarity. This makes buying options, such as straddles on the EUR/USD, an attractive strategy to play the anticipated price swings.

The Fed’s cautious stance is understandable given that the latest Consumer Price Index for March 2026 was still elevated at 3.1%, well above the target. With the last jobs report showing a solid 250,000 positions added, there is little pressure on the central bank to cut rates. This environment supports a stronger US dollar, so we are looking at put options on the EUR/USD or short positions via futures.

Ongoing Middle East tensions continue to prop up energy prices, with Brent crude recently trading near $95 a barrel. This persistent inflationary pressure reinforces the position of the more hawkish members of the committee. We see this as a reason to consider call options on energy ETFs to hedge against further price shocks.

This situation feels similar to the pivot uncertainty we saw developing through 2025, where markets whipsawed on every piece of inflation data. The change in Fed leadership now adds a new layer of unpredictability not seen since the early days of the tightening cycle that began back in 2022. Therefore, keeping derivative positions nimble and well-hedged is more important than ever.

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