"Federal Reserve weighs rate hike amidst banking concerns"

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates by a quarter point, but it also faces the tough task of reassuring markets it can stem a worse banking crisis. The fear is that rising rates could put further pressure on banking institutions and crimp lending further, hurting small businesses and other borrowers. Investors will be looking for assurances from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell that the central bank can contain the banking problems. The Fed is scheduled to release its rate decision along with its new economic projections at 2 p.m. ET Wednesday.