Fed Holds Rates Steady as Powell Takes Center Stage

All attention is on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as the US central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its latest policy meeting. The decision comes amid mixed economic signals, with inflation still above the Fed's 2% target but showing signs of easing, while the labor market remains resilient. Economists predict the Fed will maintain the current rate range of 5.25% to 5.5% as it assesses the need for further tightening. Powell's post-meeting press conference will be scrutinized for clues on future rate cuts, with markets pricing in a potential cut later this year. The Fed's balancing act continues as it navigates between curbing inflation and supporting economic growth.