Powell Expected To Signal No Rush To Cut As Fed Balances Inflation And Middle East Turmoil

Federal Reserve officials are expected to hold interest rates steady at this week’s policy meeting, according to CNBC. They will also signal how they plan to navigate inflation, tariffs, and Middle East instability in the months ahead. Analysts say a slight shift could drop that to just one. Bank of America expects no cuts this year but believes the Fed will keep options open. Powell is expected to reiterate that the policy is “in a good place,” though the White House has pushed for lower rates. Economists note that tariffs have had little impact on inflation, and recent data show labor market softening.