The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady with Chairman Jerome Powell citing a strong economy and resilient consumer spending.
“The U.S. economy expanded at a solid pace last year and is coming into 2026 on a firm footing,” Powell said. While job gains have remained low, the unemployment rate has shown some signs of stabilization, and inflation remains somewhat elevated. In support of our goals, today the Federal Open Market Committee decided to leave our policy rate unchanged. Having lowered our policy rate by 75 basis points over the course of our previous three meetings, we see the current stance of monetary policy as appropriate to promote progress toward both our maximum employment and 2% inflation goals.”
The Federal Open Markets Committee stated, “Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has shown some signs of stabilization. Inflation remains somewhat elevated.”
