The True Cost of Investing with Trade Republic vs. DEGIRO: Fee Breakdown for 2026

The S&P 500 notched fresh gains on Tuesday, March 17, after the Federal Reserve reaffirmed its patient approach to interest rates. Markets cheered the central bank’s steady hand, while tech shares led a broad advance. ## Fed’s Steady Tone Lifts Equities U.S. stocks rallied for a second day as investors digested the latest Federal Reserve policy update. The **S&P 500** climbed to close at **5,350**, up **0.7%**. The **Nasdaq Composite** outperformed, rising **1.2%** to finish at **17,420**, fueled by strength in mega-cap tech. The **Dow Jones Industrial Average** also moved higher, adding **0.4%** to end at **39,210**. The central bank kept its benchmark rate unchanged, as widely expected. Policymakers emphasized that while inflation remains above target, recent data did not warrant immediate policy changes. Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that the Fed would need to see “greater confidence” that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2% before considering cuts. ## Bonds Hold Steady as Rate Path Remains Unchanged Treasury yields were little changed following the Fed decision. The yield on the **10-year note** hovered near **4.18%**, while the **2-year yield** slipped slightly to **4.54%**. Bond traders largely maintained expectations for two rate cuts later this year, with the Fed’s statement offering few surprises. ## Commodities Mixed: Oil Edges Higher, Gold Pauses In commodities, **WTI crude oil** settled at **$80.20** a barrel, up **0.6%** on the day, as supply concerns lingered following recent OPEC+ commentary. **Gold** prices were flat, holding at **$2,180** per ounce, as investors balanced safe-haven demand with the Fed’s steady messaging. ## Dollar Slips as Rate Cut Bets Hold The **U.S. Dollar Index (DXY)** eased to **103.8**, down **0.3%**, as traders weighed the Fed’s tone. The **euro** advanced, with **EUR/USD** climbing to **1.098**. Currency markets reflected growing confidence that the Fed is unlikely to tighten further in the near term, even as inflation pressures persist globally. ## Key Movers: Tech Shines, Banks Lag Technology stocks powered the day’s gains. Shares of **Nvidia (NVDA)** surged **2.5%** after the chipmaker unveiled new AI products, sparking renewed enthusiasm for the sector. **Apple (AAPL)** and **Microsoft (MSFT)** both rose more than **1%**. In contrast, bank stocks lagged the broader market. The **KBW Bank Index** dipped **0.3%** as investors digested a flatter yield curve and cautious Fed commentary. Regional lenders underperformed, with **First Republic (FRC)** falling **1.1%**. Consumer discretionary names also saw gains. **Amazon (AMZN)** added **1.6%**, while **Tesla (TSLA)** rebounded **1.8%** after recent volatility. For readers interested in how brokerage platforms are adapting to evolving market conditions and investor preferences, see our deep dive on ETF investing platforms in Europe and a comparison of trading apps for different strategies. ## What to Watch Investors will focus next on Thursday’s release of weekly jobless claims and February’s existing home sales data, both of which could offer fresh signals on U.S. economic momentum. Several Fed officials are also scheduled to speak this week, providing further clarity on the rate path. Earnings from leading semiconductor and consumer companies may add sector-specific volatility. With the Fed holding steady and tech in the driver’s seat, markets are poised to monitor whether inflation data and company results can sustain the recent rally—or prompt a reassessment of rate cut timelines.