UPDATED 7:25 am ET
STOCKS – European stocks rose the most in two weeks after the Federal Reserve repeated its pledge to leave interest rates near their record low and said the world’s largest economy should experience sustained growth. U.S. index futures were little changed, while Asian shares rallied.
BONDS – Investors trying to anticipate Federal Reserve interest-rate policy are ignoring the dots and focusing on Chair Janet Yellen’s words.
COMMODITIES – Gold traded near a three-week high in London as the U.S. Federal Reserve said interest rates will remain low, boosting demand for the precious metal as an alternative investment.
CURRENCIES – The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell to its weakest level in almost a month after the Federal Reserve said it will keep interest rates near zero for a “considerable time,” boosting demand for overseas assets.
ECONOMIC DATA – US Unemployment Claims due at 8:30, Philly Fed Manufacturing Index at 10:00, Natural Gas Storage at 10:30 ET.