When the Federal Reserve met in December, they raised rates for the first time in a year and just the second time in a decade. That rate hike signaled the Fed’s growing confidence in a strengthening economy. At that time, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said 2017 will bring multiple rate hikes as the economy continues to improve. But after meeting Wednesday, the Federal Reserve chose not to raise rates again. Is the Fed’s confidence fading? Should we be worried?

Read The Capitalist’s Take Here

Read More at Reuters

Read More at Fox News

SENATE GOP SUSPENDS RULES, ADVANCES TRUMP PICKS WITHOUT DEMOCRATS

Republicans who lead a key Senate panel suspended their own rules Wednesday and advanced President Trump’s picks to lead the Treasury and Health and Human Services departments unilaterally, saying they had no choice after Democrats boycotted committee votes for a second day in a row…

Read More at Washington Times Here

Read More at The Hill Here

Read More at Vox Here

WHITE HOUSE PUTS IRAN ON NOTICE WITH REPRISALS AFTER MISSILE TEST

The Trump administration condemned Iran on Wednesday for its recent test of a ballistic missile, saying it was putting Tehran “on notice” and threatening reprisals, still unspecified, from the United States. “As of today, we are officially putting Iran on notice,” said Michael T. Flynn, the national security adviser, speaking in the White House briefing room. He said Iran’s test was the latest in a series of provocative actions that had destabilized the region and violated United Nations resolutions.

Read More at New York Times Here

Read More at CNN Here

Read More at NBC News Here

Closing Bell

– Wednesday, February 1st

Markets Close Higher After Fed Holds Off on Raising Rates

Big Insider Trades

– Apple, Inc. (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook Sells $2.5m

– Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (LOB) EVP William Williams Buys $1m