As of October 2, 2026 · Not investment advice.
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Week 40 (September 28 – October 3, 2026) was dominated by one theme: The Fed raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 5.25–5.50% on September 25. Powell continued signaling "higher for longer" — and the market is responding.
For hard asset investors, this means: borrowing costs are rising, but cash flow remains king. Companies generating revenue today are better positioned than those promising profitability in some distant future.
FACT: The Fed raised rates by +25 bp to 5.25–5.50% on September 25, 2026 (Source: FOMC Statement Sept 25). The dollar strengthened in the aftermath.
Brent crude remains stable in the $70–75/bbl range. A stronger USD exerts mild downward pressure on the price, but fundamental demand — particularly from Asia and chokepoint risks like Hormuz — provides a cushion. Positions like Cline Resources (CLCO) showed +17% in September.
Higher rates mean higher discount rates and therefore more pressure on REIT valuations. STAG Industrial gave up slightly (~−5%) in September. This is classic rate sensitivity — not structurally concerning as long as rental income remains stable.
Gold is under pressure (~$3,280/oz post-hike), which spills over to silver miners like Perimeter Solutions (PSEC). On the day after the FOMC decision, there was a −5% drop — short-term reaction, not a trend break.
Momentum-driven and largely rate-immune: +36% in September. Valuation is extremely high, which increases risk — but the market rewards narrative over fundamentals here.
Nine additional purchases were made in September — a mix of "buy when others sell" and selective DCA. Performance varies widely:
The Fed has communicated its line clearly. In week 41, watch for:
My Take: Hard assets with cash flow today are better positioned than growth stories that only make money tomorrow. The interest rate is real — those who ignore it will pay the price.
How does the FOMC rate hike affect hard asset dividends?
Higher rates pressure REITs and precious metal miners in the short term, but upstream oil with stable cash flow remains resilient. Long-term, companies generating real cash flow benefit from higher barriers to entry.
Is the FOMC hike a signal for oil prices?
A stronger dollar post-hike exerts mild pressure on USD oil prices, but fundamental demand and chokepoint risks (Hormuz) cushion the impact. Brent stays in the $70–75/bbl range.
Are REITs still attractive after the rate step?
Short-term pressure from higher discount rates. Long-term relevance depends on whether rental income remains stable and if the dividend premium over Treasuries is still meaningful.
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Subscribe free →Sources: FOMC Statement Sept 25, 2026; Pipeline-Agent Research Dossier KW39/KW40. Tier-1 data.
No investment advice. All content serves exclusively informational and entertainment purposes. Act at your own responsibility.