Federal Reserve maintained its rates unchanged at its first meeting for this year and the first on the presidency of Trump, which had already been preceded by its previous meeting, while noting that the “progress” has noted in terms of the Return of inflation to the 2% target is expected to continue this year as well.

Specifically, the Federal Open Market Committee unanimously decided to maintain the main interest rate of the US Central Bank on Wednesday. In the range of 4.25%-4.50%after three consecutive cuts that reduced borrowing costs by a full percentage point in the last months of 2024.

In their announcement, issued after the two -day meeting of the Commission, Fed officials reiterated that Inflation remains ‘somewhat increased’but removed the 2%progress report, while adding that “economic activity continued to extend at a steady pace” and that “the unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, while conditions in the labor market They remain constant. “

FOMC policymakers also repeated that Risks in inflation and employment are ‘almost balanced’ and the “size and time” of subsequent interest rates will depend on the incoming data and prospects of inflation.

As economists note, the strong growth of the US economy combined with the stable labor market allows Fed policymakers to keep a standby and expect more information on the course of inflation before adjusting interest rates. At the same time, this move gives them time to evaluate how President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration, duties and taxes could affect the economy.

Regarding the intentions of the Federal Bank of the US for the continuation, policymakers “see” Another two interest rates reductions in 2025one until June and the second to the end of the year, something FOMC said after the December meeting.

In any case, Fed officials reiterated that they were ready to adapt the monetary policy if needed, so as to be in line with the goals of the Central Bank, which is to reduce inflation towards the 2%target, while maintaining the maximum possible Employment. In this context, it will continue to evaluate a wide range of data such as labor market conditions, inflationary pressures and prospects of inflation, as well as financial and international developments.