Fed Chair Warsh's Press Conference Triggers Market Selloff and Yield Spike
Federal Reserve Chair Warsh's press conference on July 29, 2026, caused a sharp market reversal. In the final 65 minutes of trading, the S&P 500 fell 138 points (1.85%), turning from positive to deep red. The S&P 500 ended the day down 1.52%, the Dow down 2.19%, and the Nasdaq down 1.74%. The Fed left rates unchanged, with three dissenting members favoring a hike. Warsh avoided any forward guidance, instead emphasizing that the bond market is already tightening financial conditions without Fed intervention. Long-term Treasury yields surged: the 10-year yield rose 9 basis points to 4.69%, and the 30-year yield jumped 12 basis points to 5.21%, the highest since July 2007. Short-term yields fell, undoing priced-in rate hike expectations. Warsh stated that markets are now 'playing the ball, not the referee' and that the Fed is receiving 'unfiltered' signals from markets.
Key facts
- Fed Chair Warsh's press conference on July 29, 2026, triggered a market selloff in the final 65 minutes.
- S&P 500 fell 138 points (1.85%) in that period, ending down 1.52% for the day.
- Dow dropped 2.19%, Nasdaq fell 1.74%.
- Fed left rates unchanged; three members dissented wanting a hike.
- Warsh avoided forward guidance, emphasizing bond market tightening.
- 10-year Treasury yield rose 9 basis points to 4.69%.
- 30-year Treasury yield jumped 12 basis points to 5.21%, highest since July 2007.
- Short-term yields declined, unwinding rate hike expectations.
Entities
Institutions
- Federal Reserve
- FOMC
- Investing.com
- WOLF STREET