Business

Wall Street Closes Higher After Fed Says Will Keep Rates Low

Published

5 years ago

March 17, 2021

FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2020 file photo, pedestrians pass the New York Stock Exchange in New York. Shares are opening mostly lower on Wall Street, Wednesday, March 17, 2021, as investors cautiously await the U.S. central bank’s latest assessment on the economy. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks closed higher Wednesday, reversing an early slide after the Federal Reserve reassured Wall Street that it expects to keep its key interest rate near zero through 2023.

The central bank’s renewed commitment to leaving rates at rock bottom lows comes even as its latest economic forecast calls for growth of 6.5% this year and for inflation to climb above 2% for the first time in years. Wall Street has been anxious about the potential for higher inflation to drive up bond yields further and has been looking for signs that the central bank shares its concerns.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks during a news conference appeared to do the trick. Major stock indexes had been down for most of the day, led by another wave of selling in technology companies as bond yields rose, driving the closely watched 10-year Treasury yield up to 1.68% at one point, the highest level since January 2020.

After Powell spoke stocks gradually pivoted higher and bond yields fell. The turnaround nudged the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average to all-time highs and pulled the tech-heavy Nasdaq out of the red.

“He reassured the market that the Fed is going to the extent possible be patient about even talking about raising rates,” said Willie Delwiche, investment strategist at All Star Charts.

The S&P 500 rose 11.41 points, or 0.3%, to 3,974.12, recovering from a 0.7% slide. The benchmark index has now notched an all-time high 14 times this year. The Dow gained 189.42 points, or 0.6%, to 33,015.37. The Nasdaq, which had been down 1.5%, rose 53.64 points, or 0.4%, to 13,525.20.

Banks, industrial stocks and companies that rely on consumer spending helped lift the market. Those gains outweighed a pullback in health care, utilities and other sectors.

Smaller company stocks, the market’s standout gainers so far this year, also had good day. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies picked up 16.87 points, or 0.7%, to 2,336.39.

Treasury yields mostly fell, reversing an earlier move higher. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note, which has surged in recent weeks on inflation concerns, rose to 1.64%, the highest level since February 2020. It hit 1.62% late Tuesday.

Higher yields put downward pressure on stocks generally, in part because they can steer away dollars that had been headed for the stock market and into bonds instead. That makes investors less willing to pay as high prices for stocks.

Investors are betting big that the economic malaise will dissipate as spring arrives and more Americans get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The $1,400 stimulus checks the Biden administration began sending to individuals last weekend are also helping. But faster economic activity could also translate into some degree of inflation.

The Fed policymakers now forecast that the national unemployment rate will drop faster than they did in December: They foresee unemployment falling from its current 6.2% to 4.5% by year’s end and to 3.9%, near a healthy level, at the end of 2022.

That suggests that the central bank will be close to meeting its goals by 2023, when it expects inflation to exceed its 2% target and for unemployment to be at 3.5%. Yet it still doesn’t project a rate hike then.

At least some Fed officials appear to be closer to tightening up the central bank’s ultra-low-rate policies. Four of the 18 policymakers now expect a rate hike in 2022, up from just one in December. And seven predict a hike in 2023, up from five in December.

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Business

Central Florida Business Leaders Honored at 6th Annual Osceola Stars Awards

Published

1 hour ago

September 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Osceola Star Newspaper recognize entrepreneurs, business leaders and community champions at annual awards luncheon

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Central Florida business and community leaders were recognized Thursday at the sixth annual Osceola Stars Awards, celebrating entrepreneurship, leadership and service across Osceola County and the region.

The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando hosted the Sept. 3 awards luncheon in partnership with the Osceola Star Newspaper at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Conference Center.

About 200 guests attended the event, which honored individuals and organizations in four categories: Rising Star, Business Star, Community Star and All Star.

Four Osceola Stars Awards Presented

Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington, Property Appraiser Katrina Scarborough, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Kelvin Soto and Sheriff Christopher Blackmon presented the awards.

Susana’s Café received the Rising Star Award, recognizing its continued business growth and community involvement.

AcuMed Group Wellness & Healing Skin Medical Aesthetics received the Business Star Award for its growth and commitment to community development.

Martin Levert, executive director of Northbridge University, received the Community Star Award for his leadership and community service, particularly during times of need.

Ana Karina Alejo, creative services director at Telemundo 31, received the All Star Award for her public service and work highlighting the contributions of Central Florida’s Hispanic community.

Ana Karina Alejo: Media Can Give Communities a Voice

Alejo said the recognition represented more than an individual achievement.

“Receiving the All Star Award is a deeply meaningful honor because it represents more than a personal achievement, it reflects the relationships, stories and communities that have shaped my career,” Alejo said in a statement.

She said she believes in using media to give a voice to people and organizations making a difference and expressed pride in highlighting Osceola County’s Hispanic community.

“This recognition inspires me to continue building bridges, championing Hispanic voices and using my platform to celebrate the people who make our community stronger,” Alejo said.

Brandon Arrington Highlights Role of Local Businesses

Arrington emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs and locally owned businesses to Osceola County’s economy and communities.

“Businesses and entrepreneurs are the fabric of Osceola County,” Arrington said. “They are our neighbors, our employers, and the people who invest their time and energy in making our community a better place.”

Arrington highlighted Dr. Cecilia Rusnak of AcuMed Group Wellness Center & Healing Skin Medical Aesthetics, saying recognition of Hispanic-owned businesses celebrates entrepreneurship and the role those businesses play in Osceola County’s continued growth.

Central Florida Business and Community Leaders Attend

The luncheon brought together business executives, elected officials and community leaders from throughout Central Florida.

Participants included Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando; Arnaldo Oliveras, chair of the chamber’s executive board; and Yanin Hansen, president and CEO of the Osceola Star Newspaper.

Premier sponsor AdventHealth was represented by Dr. Omayra Mansfield, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Celebration. Gold sponsor Orlando Health participated with a special video presentation.

Other sponsors and supporters included Northbridge University, Experience Kissimmee, IKEA and Orlando Venues. Media partners included Norsan Media, Univision Orlando, the Osceola Star Newspaper and WAPA Orlando 26.

Culture and Community Take Center Stage

Puerto Rican journalist and communications professional Neisha Molina, a digital content producer for Entravision US Media at WAPA Orlando 26, served as master of ceremonies.

The program opened with the presentation of colors by a U.S. Army color guard, followed by the national anthem performed by School of Talent LLC.

Guests also watched a performance by Mexico Danza Orlando, adding a cultural component to the business and community celebration.

The event concluded with a concert-ticket raffle.

Celebrating Central Florida’s Growing Hispanic Business Community

The Osceola Stars Awards are designed to recognize more than business growth. This year’s honorees represent entrepreneurship, community service, media leadership and civic engagement — areas that organizers say contribute to Osceola County’s continued economic and community development.

The partnership between the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Osceola Star Newspaper also places the awards within the broader growth and influence of Central Florida’s Hispanic business community.

Business

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Brings 47th Annual National Conference to Fort Worth Sept. 14-16

Published

1 month ago

August 7, 2026

FNN NEWS

FORT WORTH, Texas (FNN NEWS) — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will bring its 47th Annual National Conference to Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 14-16, 2026, convening Hispanic business leaders, corporate executives, policymakers and entrepreneurs from across the country.

The three-day conference will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center and is expected to serve as a major national platform for business development, networking, economic opportunity and deal-making.

Nearly five decades after its launch, the USHCC National Conference has grown into what the organization describes as the nation’s largest gathering of Hispanic business decision-makers.

The selection of Fort Worth highlights the North Texas city’s growing position as a center for business, entrepreneurship and culture while providing a national stage for Hispanic-owned businesses and their economic impact.

Fort Worth Selected to Host 2026 National Conference

USHCC announced Fort Worth as the 2026 host following its 46th Annual National Conference in Atlanta.

“We are thrilled to bring the USHCC National Conference to Fort Worth in 2026,” said Jackie Puente, vice president of external affairs at Comcast and chairwoman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This city showcases the innovation, diversity, and economic impact of Hispanic-owned businesses nationwide. At Comcast, we are proud to support the USHCC’s mission of opening doors and creating opportunities for our community to thrive.”

Fort Worth business leaders also welcomed the opportunity to host the national gathering.

“Fort Worth is proud to host the USHCC National Conference in 2026,” said Ericka Garza, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This event highlights our city’s vibrant culture and the impact of Hispanic-owned businesses in driving economic growth.”

Connecting Hispanic Businesses With Opportunities

Connection building will be a major focus of the 2026 conference, with programming designed to bring business owners directly together with corporate executives, policymakers, industry leaders and potential partners.

Through curated networking opportunities and informal gatherings, participants will have opportunities to establish relationships that could lead to collaborations, contracts, partnerships and long-term business growth.

The conference also provides companies and organizations seeking to expand their engagement with Hispanic-owned businesses an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and business leaders from markets across the United States.

National Leaders Take the Main Stage

The conference’s main-stage sessions will feature influential leaders and nationally recognized voices discussing major issues affecting business, entrepreneurship and economic advancement.

Sessions are expected to provide perspectives on economic trends, public policy, market opportunities and emerging challenges facing businesses.

The discussions are designed to help entrepreneurs and executives better understand changing markets and position their organizations for future opportunities.

Breakout Sessions Focus on Business Growth

Attendees will also have access to industry-focused breakout sessions featuring subject-matter experts addressing specific business challenges and opportunities.

The interactive sessions are designed to provide participants with practical strategies, tools and information they can apply to their companies and organizations.

Topics and speakers for the 2026 conference are expected to be announced as the event approaches.

Hispanic Businesses Take Center Stage in Fort Worth

The conference comes as Hispanic-owned businesses continue to play an increasingly important role in entrepreneurship, job creation and economic development across the United States.

For Fort Worth, hosting the national conference provides an opportunity to showcase the city’s business community while connecting local entrepreneurs with corporate and government decision-makers from across the country.

47th Annual USHCC National Conference
Dates: Sept. 14-16, 2026
Location: Fort Worth Convention Center
City: Fort Worth, Texas

Business

Historic Casements to Debut Mateo Blanco’s ‘Rockefeller Flag’ During The American Legacy Exhibition

Published

1 month ago

July 30, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Casements, the historic Ormond Beach residence where industrialist John D. Rockefeller spent the final years of his life, will host “The American Legacy,” a new exhibition by American artist Mateo Blanco opening Saturday, Aug. 1.

The exhibition brings together painting and photography to explore themes of American history, material, memory, innovation and the ideas that continue to shape the nation’s identity during its Semiquincentennial.

Public Premiere of Rockefeller Flag

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the public debut of “Rockefeller Flag,” a new oil-on-canvas painting created exclusively for The Casements.

Rather than depicting Rockefeller himself, the work examines the relationship between industry, history and artistic tradition. Executed entirely in black oil paint on canvas, Rockefeller Flag draws its conceptual inspiration from petroleum—the natural resource that transformed American industry and helped redefine the modern world.

Blanco notes that petroleum also returns to its artistic origins through oil paint, the medium that has shaped Western painting for more than five centuries, creating an intersection between industrial innovation and artistic expression.

Installed inside Rockefeller’s historic residence, the painting encourages visitors to reflect not only on one of America’s most influential business leaders but also on the broader themes of vision, enterprise, stewardship and the legacy each generation leaves behind.

“For many people, The Casements represents the final chapter of John D. Rockefeller’s life,” Blanco said. “For me, it represents the beginning of another conversation—one about legacy. Every generation inherits ideas, opportunities and responsibilities created by those who came before. What ultimately defines us is what we choose to build with that inheritance.”

Museum Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition also features paintings previously exhibited at The Butler Institute of American Art alongside a curated selection of photographs celebrating the American landscape, its people and the cultural narratives that have shaped the nation across generations.

Together, the works represent one of Blanco’s most comprehensive museum presentations to date, combining painting and photography in a reflection on the American experience.

According to exhibition organizers, The American Legacy is intended as a cultural reflection rather than a political statement, highlighting creativity, craftsmanship, imagination, innovation and the enduring ability of individuals to transform ideas and materials into lasting contributions.

By returning petroleum to the language of oil painting, Blanco creates a dialogue between one of America’s defining industrial achievements and one of the oldest artistic traditions in history.

About Mateo Blanco

Mateo Blanco is an American multidisciplinary artist whose work explores material transformation, cultural memory and the evolving narrative of American identity. Working across painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media, Blanco examines how everyday materials become symbols of history, belonging and collective memory.

His work has been exhibited by museums and cultural institutions throughout the United States, including The Butler Institute of American Art, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Museum of Art – DeLand, the Armory Art Center, the Cornell Art Museum and the Brick Store Museum.

His artwork is included in the permanent collections of several American museums, reflecting continued institutional recognition of his contributions to contemporary American art.

Blanco is represented by Rosenbaum Contemporary, with gallery locations in Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Hollywood, Florida.