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The Federal Reserve continues to hold rates steady but signals a hawkish tilt, emphasizing its commitment to combating inflation, with half of policymakers expecting a rate hike this year. Fed Chair Waller's debut: steadfast on the 2% inflation target, establishes five special working groups, and personally did not submit a dot plot. Trump: It's fine for the Federal Reserve to hold steady, a rate hike is unbelievable but possible, and he trusts Waller. US officials state that Trump personally pre-signed the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, while the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirms both parties have signed. US crude oil inventories fell more than expected, with stockpiles at the largest commercial crude storage hub dropping to a ten-year low, reaching a warning threshold. US retail sales in May rose 0.9% month-on-month, hitting the highest in over three years, with a significant increase in gas station spending. Pan Gongsheng at the Lujiazui Forum: Improve the short-term interest rate control mechanism, establish an offshore central bank repo tool. Ding Xiangqun at the Lujiazui Forum: Improve the early correction mechanism for financial risks with hard constraints. Curbing “involution” on delivery platforms! The State Administration for Market Regulation: No long-term or large-scale subsidies to disrupt market order. The government regulates delivery platform subsidy practices, Meituan, Taobao Flash Sale, JD Daojia: firmly support this move. Six ministries jointly issue a statement: offshore financial action plan for Shanghai revealed, with six main businesses approved for the first pilot, including the deployment of offshore digital RMB applications. Apple hints at price increases; the second-generation iPhone Air may launch next spring, marking a major adjustment to the iPhone release schedule. High costs prompt change: Microsoft is considering replacing expensive US AI models with DeepSeek. "Fable5 takedown" sparks speculation about “weaponized” AI regulation: OpenAI fears collateral impact, Silicon Valley worries about a crackdown on foreign AI talent. Related article: WallstreetCN Breakfast FM-Radio | June 18, 2026

June 18 Financial Morning Brief: The Federal Reserve Sends Hawkish Signals, Gold Hesitates to Surge? Oil Prices Face Off—Trump Signs Agreement vs. Iran Talks Delayed

Nasdaq 100 index futures rose over 1%, S&P 500 index futures rose 0.61%, and Dow Jones index futures rose 0.42%.