Jerome Powell this week leads his first meeting as chair...

Jerome Powell this week leads his first meeting as chair of the Federal Reserve. Credit: Bloomberg / Andrew Harrer

KEY EVENT: New Year’s hangover. Whether it’s a lack of qualified candidates, employers pulling in the reins on hiring or simply that Long Island is close to full employment, job creation has become sluggish. In January, only 7,600 new jobs were added, lowest amount for any January in five years. The state Labor Department updates the hiring situation Thursday when it releases Long Island jobs added in February.

MONDAY: Huntington Library’s main branch holds a free “Women and Self-Employment” workshop, 6:30-8 p.m. Topics include how to start and register a business and get financing. Earnings: Oracle.

TUESDAY: Earnings from FedEx and furniture maker Steelcase.

WEDNESDAY: The Federal Reserve ends a two-day meeting with a decision on interest rates. It is the first meeting overseen by new Fed chair Jerome Powell, who holds a news conference after the meeting ends. Also, existing home sales for February from the National Association of Realtors.

THURSDAY: Jobless benefits claims for the week ended March 17 from the Labor Department. Earnings: Edgewood aircraft parts maker CPI Aerostructures, Jericho ID authorization technology provider Intellicheck, Olive Garden owner Darden Restaurants, Nike.

FRIDAY: Two reports from the Commerce Department: new-home sales and durable goods orders, both for February.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about winning a 3rd state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 17: Olympics a possibility for Long Beach wrestler? On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about pursuing a third state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about winning a 3rd state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 17: Olympics a possibility for Long Beach wrestler? On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about pursuing a third state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

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