Fed holds off on rate hike for second straight meeting

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, the first time in nearly two years that the central bank paused rates over the course of two consecutive meetings.

While some have interpreted the latest pause as a sign that the Fed is nearing the end of its rate hikes, inflation remains stubbornly above the central bank’s 2 percent target, and the labor market is hotter than officials would like.

Federal Reserve Chair Powell said the strength of consumer and small business finances may have been “underestimated” as spending remains strong.

Barring any major news stories over the next 45 days, I'm anticipating a rate hike at the Fed's December meeting.

Source: The Hill