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March 23 Reuters Wall Street39;s main indexes climbed on Thursday as major ratesensitive technology and growth stocks advanced after the Federal Reserve hinted it was close to pausing interest rate hikes amid turbulence in the banking sector.

The U.S. central bank on Wednesday raised rates by an expected 25 basis points, but its policy statement no longer said ongoing increases would likely be appropriate, indicating a clear shift in its stance.

The Fed39;s softer tone relieved markets that have been roiled by concerns about a liquidity crisis in the banking sector since the failure of two U.S. regional lenders earlier this month.

Wall Street39;s main indexes had closed sharply lower on Wednesday after Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank was still intent on fighting inflation even as he flagged credit issues due to banking troubles could have significant implications for the economy.

Markets are hoping that you have one more interest rate hike to go, probably, said Robert Pavlik, senior portfolio manager, Dakota Wealth in Fairfield, Connecticut.

I would imagine the hopes of a rate cut are smashed. You don39;t want things going so south that you need a rate cut.

Traders39; bets are almost equally split between the Fed pausing its rate hikes in…