GoKawiilThis is CNBC's Morning Squawk newsletter. Subscribe here to receive future editions in your inbox. Happy Wednesday. I couldn't help but feel a pang of déjà vu reading about Jimmy Kimmel's return to the White House's crosshairs. S&P 500 futures are little changed this morning. All three major averages logged a negative session yesterday. Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day:
1. Powell's Fed finale?
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a press conference following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting at the Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, March 18, 2026. Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images
It's Fed Day. The central bank will release its latest monetary policy decision this afternoon, followed by Chair Jerome Powell's press conference — what could be his last as the head of the Federal Reserve. Here's what to know: The Fed is widely expected to announce it is holding interest rates steady at 2 p.m. ET.
Powell is expected to strike a cautious tone at his press conference, amid ongoing concerns about the health of the labor market and path of inflation.
Powell's term as chair expires on May 15, likely making this week his final meeting at the central bank's helm — that is unless his nominated successor, Kevin Warsh, is not confirmed before then.
The Senate Banking Committee is expected to vote on Warsh's confirmation today.
Respondents to CNBC's Fed survey showed doubt over whether Warsh will be able to remain independent and cut interest rates amid inflationary pressures.
We're also keeping an eye on the Supreme Court, which could rule this morning on Trump's attempted firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
2. Red scare
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