07:05 AM EDT, 03/17/2025 (MT Newswires) -- US investors will be focused this week on the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision amid concerns over slowing economic growth and evolving trade policies from the White House.

* Equities markets have been volatile in recent weeks as President Donald Trump reshapes the country's trade policies with tariffs on major trading partners: Canada, Mexico, and China. Major retailers are bracing for the impact of the president's trade war, particularly on goods coming from China, the Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend.

* The Federal Reserve's interest rate decision will be top of mind for investors. The policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee is scheduled to begin its two-day meeting on Tuesday, which will end with a rate announcement at 2 pm ET on Wednesday. Pundits are expecting a no change in rates at a target range of 4.25% to 4.50%.

* "While widely expected to maintain policy in the current range of 4.25-4.50%, the accompanying communication at [this week's] policy meeting could tip the Committee's hand in terms of primary concerns, a policy lean, and/or expected timeline for any future adjustments in rates" Stifel said Friday in a note to investors.

* Investors are also looking ahead to comments from Federal Chair Jerome Powell during his press conference after the FOMC meeting.

* Separate reports on retail sales, housing starts and permits, industrial production, jobless claims and existing home sales are scheduled for release throughout the week.

* On the earnings calendar, Accenture ( ACN ) , Nike ( NKE ) , FedEx ( FDX ) and Micron (MU) are scheduled to report on Thursday.