Fed Holds Benchmark Rate Steady as Inflation Remains Elevated
The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at 3. 75%-4% on Oct. 28, with two voting members dissenting and Chair Kevin Warsh warning that inflation remains elevated.
The hold followed weeks of market expectations that the policy rate would stay steady amid persistent price pressures. Analysts had projected a pause as the September CPI showed faster-than-expected growth, and traders priced less than a 10% chance of an additional hike after the September quarter-point increase. Officials also framed the decision as a way to avoid influencing the upcoming midterm elections.