The Fed keeps interest rates stable amid
On March 18, US Federal Reserve officials voted to keep interest rates unchanged within their historic low range (3% minimum) for the year ahead in order to avoid deep recession or uncontrolled inflation potentially caused by war tensions
Key Points
-
1The US Federal Reserve voted unanimously to keep interest rates unchanged at the range of 3.25%–4%, defying pressure from President Donald Trump.
-
2Officials cited stubborn inflation, weak labor demand as key factors influencing their decision despite economic uncertainty caused by ongoing conflicts in Iran and elsewhere.
Developments
Perspectives
The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as expected on Wednesday in defiance of President Donald Trump, citing stubborn inflation and an uncertain economic outlook due to the war with Iran.
— (Rthk.hk)Officials weighed sticky inflation alongside softer labor data when deciding not to cut or raise benchmark rates at 3.5% - 3.75%.
— (Bitbo)The Fed maintained steady interest rate levels despite the economic risks posed by ongoing conflict in Iran.
— (Krdo)The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at a range between 3.50% and 3.75%, citing an uncertain economic outlook driven by war in Iran despite President Trump's calls for cuts to combat inflation. Officials flagged one expected rate reduction before year-end while raising their long-term inflation forecast, noting that job gains remain low amid solid GDP growth expectations of 2.4%.