The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 4.25% to 4.50% on Wednesday, marking its third straight pause, according to Benzinga. The Fed noted continued solid growth but flagged distortions from volatile net exports and introduced new language highlighting rising risks of both inflation and unemployment. Policymakers maintained their data-dependent approach, saying decisions will be made "meeting by meeting." The pause comes amid fresh trade tensions following Trump’s April tariff announcement and renewed political pressure for rate cuts. Traders now see a 73% chance of a rate cut by July, and expect roughly 65 basis points of easing by year-end. Markets reacted quietly, with the S&P 500 flat, Treasury yields slightly lower, and the dollar slipping.
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00:00It's Benzinga bringing Wall Street to Main Street.
00:02The Federal Reserve on interest rates steady at 4.25% to 4.5% on Wednesday,
00:07marking its third straight pause, according to Benzinga.
00:09Fed noted continued solid growth, but flagged distortions for volatile net exports
00:14introduced new language highlighting rising risks of both inflation and unemployment.
00:19Policymakers maintained their data-dependent approach,
00:22saying decisions will be made meeting by meeting.
00:25The pause comes amid fresh trade tensions,
00:27following Trump's April tariff announcement and renewed political pressure for rate cuts.
00:33Traders now see a 73% chance of a rate cut by July
00:37and expect roughly 65 basis points of easing by year-end.
00:40Markets reacted quietly with the S&P 500 flat,
00:43Treasury yields slightly lower, and the dollar slipping.
00:46For all things money, visit Benzinga.com slash GSTV.