Federal Reserve holds rates steady but signals possible hike before year’s end (opens original article in a new tab)

The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 3.5%-3.75% for the fourth time this year, removing its easing bias while inflation remains above target due to Middle East conflict and energy prices.

• Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady at 3.5%-3.75% for fourth consecutive time
• Fed removed easing bias from policy statement, signaling no immediate rate cuts
• Inflation remains above target at 4.2% due to Middle East conflict and energy prices
• Unemployment rate stays at 4.3% with strong job gains and productivity growth
• Core inflation rises only 2.9% year-over-year, indicating moderate price pressures
• Hourly earnings drop to 0.7% seasonally adjusted