Source: Charles Schwab, data from 9/14 – 9/18

Weekly Market Minute

“The more you learn, the more you earn.”
— Warren Buffett

🧭 This Week In the Markets

Image Source: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Fed Raises Rates for First Time Since 2023

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter percentage point on Wednesday, marking its first rate hike since July 2023 as policymakers respond to persistent inflation pressures. The unanimous decision increased the federal funds rate to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh pointed to continued strength in the economy and labor market, while acknowledging that inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target. Higher energy prices stemming from tensions in the Middle East have added to inflation concerns, particularly as policymakers weigh the risk that elevated prices could become more persistent and spread throughout the broader economy.

Updated projections from Fed officials suggest that additional tightening could be ahead, with 16 of 18 participants indicating another rate increase may be appropriate later this year and four seeing the possibility of two additional hikes. Officials also raised their 2026 inflation forecasts slightly and now do not expect inflation to return to the Fed’s 2% target until 2029. Treasury yields have risen considerably since late August as investors adjusted to the prospect of higher interest rates, contributing to increased borrowing costs across the economy.

AI Safety Debate Intensifies as Technology Advances

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has sparked a growing debate over how quickly the technology should develop and what safeguards may be necessary. The discussion intensified after researchers at Anthropic raised concerns about the potential risks of increasingly powerful AI models, prompting Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to call for slowing the development of frontier models. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk have also expressed concerns about AI safety, bringing together leaders from competing technology companies around the need to address potential risks.

Others in the technology industry and Washington have pushed back against calls to slow AI development, arguing that excessive restrictions could hinder innovation and weaken the United States’ position in the global AI race, particularly against China. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has argued that existing laws and responsible corporate practices can address many of the risks without new regulations. The debate highlights a growing challenge for the AI industry as it weighs balancing the economic and technological opportunities created by rapidly advancing AI against concerns about safety and responsible development.

Warren Buffet Steps Down as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman

Warren Buffett announced Friday that he is stepping down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, bringing an end to more than six decades of leadership at the company. The 96-year-old will become chairman emeritus and remain on Berkshire’s board, while his son, Howard Buffett, will take over as chairman. The transition comes just over nine months after Greg Abel succeeded Buffett as CEO. Buffett said Abel will continue to run the company, while Howard’s role will focus on preserving the culture and values that have long defined Berkshire.

Buffett’s tenure transformed Berkshire from a struggling textile company into a roughly $1 trillion conglomerate with businesses spanning insurance, energy, railroads, manufacturing and investments. During his leadership, Berkshire generated a 19.7% compounded annual return for shareholders, nearly double that of the S&P 500. The leadership transition comes as Berkshire shares have lagged the broader market in 2026, putting greater focus on Abel’s strategy for deploying the company’s $365.5 billion cash position and guiding Berkshire into its post-Buffett era.

📊 Sector Performance

5-day closing price ($) and change (%)

Source: Select Sector SPDRs, data based on the Sector SPDR ETFs as of 9/18

Latest from EMW

Elizabeth Evans, CFP on Fox Making Money 9/15/2026
A 10-year Treasury yield above 5% is enough to get investors’ attention. But one number rarely captures the whole story. The last time yields reached these levels, in October 2023, many of the same concerns were front and center.

📰 Dollars & Sense: This Week’s Rapid Read

25 years after 9/11, the U.S. starts rolling back travel restrictions, from liquids to gate access
Twenty-five years after 9/11, the U.S. is beginning to roll back some of the travel restrictions introduced in the aftermath of the attacks. Changes under consideration include easing limits on liquids and expanding access beyond security checkpoints, reflecting advances in screening technology and a reassessment of long-standing airport security rules.

Source: CNBC

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Sources: CNBC, CNBC, CNBC

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