The U.S. Federal Reserve kept its benchmark federal funds rate unchanged on Wednesday, maintaining the target range at 4.25% to 4.50%, in a widely expected move as the central bank navigates a complex economic environment marked by slowing inflation, global trade tensions, and political pressure.
In a statement, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said it remains focused on achieving its dual mandate of maximum employment and 2% inflation over the longer term, but acknowledged that uncertainty about the economic outlook has increased.
“The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate and judges that the risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation have risen,” the Fed said.
The central bank also reiterated its commitment to adjusting monetary policy as needed if evolving risks threaten its economic objectives.
The decision comes amid political turbulence, particularly stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell for what he views as sluggish action in the face of mounting economic risks. Trump has called for aggressive rate cuts, referencing moves by European central banks and claiming that current U.S. policy could stall the economy.
In a string of posts throughout April, Trump called Powell “always TOO LATE AND WRONG” and claimed that “termination cannot come fast enough,” suggesting the Fed’s hesitancy could lead to a broader slowdown.
Despite the political rhetoric, the Fed has gradually reduced rates from a post-pandemic high of 5.5%—held steady from July 2023 to September 2024—to its current level, signaling a measured approach to monetary easing.
Analysts say the Fed’s pause reflects caution amid conflicting signals, including stable job growth, moderating inflation, and growing concerns about the impact of Trump’s tariff policies on global trade and domestic price pressures.
The next rate decision is expected in June, with markets watching closely for signs of whether the Fed will resume cuts or hold steady amid ongoing political and economic uncertainty.
The U.S. Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Wednesday at 4.25%–4.50%, while maintaining its projection for two rate cuts by the end of 2025.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivered a forceful defense of the central bank’s response to the COVID-19 crisis on Sunday.
The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at its policy meeting on Wednesday, as signs of easing inflation and continued job growth clash with increasing pressure from President Donald Trump to slash rates amid the first economic contraction in three years.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stating on Thursday that Powell's termination "cannot come fast enough."
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at Wednesday’s meeting.
Israel is nearing its objective of eliminating Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, vowing to continue the campaign until those threats are neutralised.
The U.N. Security Council met on Sunday after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, as Russia, China and Pakistan proposed a resolution urging an immediate Middle East ceasefire, raising tensions over the legality and fallout of Western military action.
The U.S. maintains a broad military presence across the Middle East, reflecting long-standing strategic interests and evolving regional dynamics.
The United States has called on China to use its influence to dissuade Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such a move would trigger severe global economic fallout and risk major escalation following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
NATO member states have reached a consensus on a landmark defence spending target of 5% of GDP by 2035, paving the way for a formal announcement at the alliance’s upcoming summit in The Hague.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Germany’s federal government spent over 1.2 billion euros on software, licenses and IT services in 2024, more than 25% higher than the previous year.
Japan’s core inflation rose to a more than two-year high in May, exceeding the central bank’s 2% target for over three years and increasing pressure on the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to resume rate hikes.
Two Nigerian communities will take Shell to trial in the UK in 2027 after winning a court ruling over Niger Delta oil pollution.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced Friday it is raising its financing ceiling to a record €100 billion to accelerate investments in defence, energy security and Europe’s technological leadership.
Meta has teamed up with Oakley to release AI-powered smart glasses, expanding its push into wearable tech after the success of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. The social media company is expanding its partnership with Oakley and Ray-Ban-parent EssilorLuxottica.
Israel is nearing its objective of eliminating Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, vowing to continue the campaign until those threats are neutralised.
The U.N. Security Council met on Sunday after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, as Russia, China and Pakistan proposed a resolution urging an immediate Middle East ceasefire, raising tensions over the legality and fallout of Western military action.
The U.S. maintains a broad military presence across the Middle East, reflecting long-standing strategic interests and evolving regional dynamics.
The United States has called on China to use its influence to dissuade Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such a move would trigger severe global economic fallout and risk major escalation following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
NATO member states have reached a consensus on a landmark defence spending target of 5% of GDP by 2035, paving the way for a formal announcement at the alliance’s upcoming summit in The Hague.
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