FED EXPECTED TO HOLD RATES AS STRONG US ECONOMY LIMITS CUTS The Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates unchanged for the rest of the year, according to Russell Investments strategist Paul Eitelman. He says resilient U.S. growth and persistent inflation pressures—partly driven by Middle East energy shocks—mean rate cuts are unlikely. Markets currently price only about 10 basis points of cuts for 2026, while the Fed remains supported by a strong economy and relative energy independence. Eitelman adds that policy is largely driven by economic conditions rather than leadership changes, including the expected transition to Kevin Warsh. Global energy disruptions are pushing inflation higher abroad, but the U.S. is comparatively insulated, keeping Treasury yields near fair value levels.(*Walter Bloomberg)