The U.S. Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, maintaining the target range at 4.25% to 4.50%, despite mounting pressure from the Trump administration to ease borrowing costs.
The decision, announced at the conclusion of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) two-day policy meeting, came as recent data pointed to a slowdown in economic momentum and persistent inflation.
“Although swings in net exports continue to affect the data, recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year,” the Fed said in a statement.
“The unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid. Inflation remains somewhat elevated.”
The central bank acknowledged that uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook remains elevated, as it reaffirmed its commitment to achieving maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2% target.
The decision follows Commerce Department figures released earlier Wednesday showing that the U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 3.0% in the second quarter, following a 0.5% contraction in the first.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.7% year-on-year in June, marking the sharpest increase since February—widely attributed to the impact of tariffs on goods.
Among the 12 voting FOMC members, two dissented, favoring a 25-basis-point rate cut. One Fed board member abstained from voting.
The move underscores a cautious stance by the Fed amid political pressure from the White House, which has repeatedly called for lower interest rates to support growth ahead of the 2026 election.
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California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
Adidas executives personally visited a small Indigenous town in southern Mexico to apologize for a shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation, pledging future collaboration to respect local heritage.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honoring soldiers of the army's overseas operations.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal violations.
Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to allow visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports, marking a major step in restoring relations after decades of restrictions.
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