06:30 AM EDT, 03/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Commerzbank in its "European Sunrise" note of Thursday highlighted:

Markets: United States Treasuries weaken during the Federal Reserve press conference while oil rises, softening further in Asia. Japanese government bond yields little changed after the Bank of Japan (BoJ) policy decision. E-minis sideways in Asia. The US dollar (USD) trades stronger. Brent rises above $110/barrel.

Fed keeps rates unchanged in 11-1 vote, with Governor Stephen Miran dissenting. Chair Jerome Powell says implications of Middle East developments are uncertain, but if the Fed doesn't see progress on inflation, "then you won't see the rate cut." Powell says he has "no intention" to leave the Fed until the Department of Justice investigation is over. Median dot still sees one cut in 2026, SEP sees both higher inflation and higher growth for this year.

Middle East: Abu Dhabi halts operations at Habshan natural gas facility. The biggest liquefied natual gas complex in the world in Qatar suffers "extensive damage" after an Iranian attack. President Donald Trump rules out further Israeli attacks on Iran's South Pars gas field but warns that the U.S. could "massively blow up" the gas field if Iran's attacks on Gulf countries continue.

==EUROPE:

Italy: The government introduces a fuel discount of 25 eurocents per liter via decree.

==ASIA:

Japan: The BoJ keeps rates unchanged in an 8-1 vote, but will raise rates further if the price outlook materializes.