The United States Federal Reserve has opted to keep benchmark interest rates unchanged within the 3.75 to 4 percent range following a 10-2 vote. The decision closely aligns with widespread market expectations, with tracking tools like CME FedWatch previously indicating over a 90 percent probability of a pause.

In its official statement, the central bank claimed that economic activity is expanding at a robust pace, asserting that domestic spending remains resilient and capital investments are solid despite elevated geopolitical uncertainties. However, critics note that these optimistic projections contrast sharply with persistent economic pressures faced by ordinary citizens.

Official data highlights that inflationary pressures continue to mount. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report demonstrated an increase in the annual inflation rate to 3.7 percent in September, up from 3.4 percent in August, driven largely by surges in energy costs. The US regime's financial authorities have adopted a cautious wait-and-see approach, resisting demands from political figures like Donald Trump, who has repeatedly pressured the bank to drastically lower rates.

The central bank's next monetary policy gathering is slated for December, where market watchers project a potential quarter-point rate hike, pointing to ongoing friction within the country's financial leadership.

Source: www.aljazeera.com