BREAKING: Fed goes full hawkish and kills rate cut hopes for this year

Rates unchanged at 3.50%–3.75%. Unanimous 12-0 vote (no dissents).

Fed says inflation remains elevated.

Dot plot (their rate projections) turned more hawkish:

9 members see at least 1 rate hike this year.

5 see 2 hikes.

1 even sees 3 hikes.

Only 8 see rates staying flat.

Just 1 sees a cut.

Market reaction right after: Bond yields ripping higher (especially longer-term ones), stocks dropping.

The Fed is not easing anytime soon. They removed the hope for rate cuts this year and are now openly talking about possible rate hikes if inflation stays sticky.

This is more hawkish than many expected. The market is reacting by selling bonds (yields up = bond prices down) and pressuring stocks, especially growth/tech names that like low rates.

New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first meeting, and he’s coming out firmer on inflation.

Bottom line: Higher-for-longer (or even higher) rates are back on the table. Not great for risk assets in the short term.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/17/fed-meeting-today-live-updates.html