WASHINGTON: The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday amid what U.S. central bank chief Jerome Powell described as a solid economy and diminished risks to both inflation and employment, an outlook that could signal a lengthy wait before any further reductions in borrowing costs.
"The economy has once again surprised us with its strength," Powell said at a press conference after Fed policymakers voted 10-2 to hold the central bank's benchmark interest rate in the 3.50%-3.75% range following a two-day meeting.
