1. The Fed keeps interest rates unchanged despite rising inflation and expected economic risks: On March 18 (local time), the US Federal Reserve (Fed) decided to keep its interest rates unchanged between 3.5% and 3.75%, while anticipating an increase in inflation, stable unemployment, and only one rate cut this year. This decision comes as Fed officials assess economic risks related to the Israeli-Iranian conflict.
2. United Kingdom: Inflation accelerates with rising energy prices: Soaring energy prices are fueling inflation in the UK, putting pressure on the Bank of England and the government, which must both stimulate economic growth and control the cost of living. Independent forecasts from the British Treasury now anticipate inflation of 2.6% in the fourth quarter of 2026, significantly higher than the 1.9% projected by the UK’s independent budget watchdog (OBR) in early March 2026.
3. The United States warns against the practice of “personnel bypass” by tech giants: The director of the US Department of Justice’s antitrust agency declared on March 18 that attempts by companies to circumvent antitrust control through tactics such as “personnel bypass” are a “wake-up call.” The term “personnel bypass” refers to the practice where the world’s largest tech companies spend substantial amounts to acquire technology and talent from promising start-ups without formal acquisition.
4. EU takes a significant step towards implementing the trade agreement with the United States: On March 19, Members of the European Parliament took a significant step towards implementing the trade agreement with the United States, which had been stalled since the US Supreme Court overturned several tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in April 2025. The EU Parliament’s trade committee voted in favor of tariff reductions on certain US imports, in line with the agreement reached in August 2025. However, MEPs announced additional guarantees.
5. Global oil prices approach $120/barrel: Global oil prices continued to rise on March 19, as attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East raised concerns about further supply disruptions. At 4:48 PM (Vietnam time) on March 19, North Sea Brent surged over 10% to reach $119.13/barrel, while US WTI gained 2.6% to $98.81/barrel. The same day, the conflict in the Middle East escalated with Iranian missile attacks on the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Qatar, and drone strikes on oil refineries in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
6. ECB keeps interest rates unchanged for the sixth consecutive monetary policy meeting: The European Central Bank (ECB) maintained its interest rates at 2% during its meeting on March 19, for the sixth consecutive time. The bank stated that its current interest rate stance remained appropriate, while highlighting that it would continue to manage its policy on a case-by-case basis. The ECB warned that the Middle East conflict could impact the region’s inflation and economic growth outlook.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn
