Published

Federal Reserve Leaves Interest Rate Unchanged

As expected, the U.S. Federal Reserve voted unanimously today not to change its benchmark interest rate from the current 2.25%-2.5%.
#economics

Share

As expected, the U.S. Federal Reserve voted unanimously today not to change its benchmark interest rate from the current range of 2.25%-2.5%.

The central bank declared the U.S. economy to be on a “healthy path,” although it notes a slowdown in inflation that could prompt action if it persists below the bank’s 2% target. Core inflation, which ignores volatile food and fuel prices, slowed to 1.6% in March from 1.8% in January and 2% in December.

The Fed pointedly ignored President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions earlier this week that it cut interest rates by as much as one point to help the economy “go up like a rocket.”

The bank insists its decisions are immune to politics. But observers say that maintaining that position—especially if the Fed does change its policy in the months ahead—will be more difficult to defend if the president persists in offering advice.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Achieving Efficiency?

    A look at on-road fuel economy changes over 92 years.

  • China and U.S. OEMs

    When Ford announced its 3rd quarter earning on October 24, the official announcement said, in part, “Company revenue was up 3 percent year over year, with net income and company adjusted EBIT both down year over year, primarily driven by continued challenges in China.” The previous day, perhaps as a preemptive move to answer the question “If things are going poorly in China, what are you doing about it?, Ford announced that it was establishing Ford China as a stand-alone business unit.

  • On Quantum Navigation, EVs, Auto Industry Sales and more

    Sandia’s quantum navi, three things about EVs, transporting iron ore in an EV during the winter, going underwater in an EV (OK, it is a sub), state of the UK auto industry (sad), why the Big Three likes Big Vehicles, and the future of logistics.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions