FED HOLDS RATES, FLAGS UNCERTAINTY AND RISING INFLATION RISKS The Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged at 3.50–3.75%, giving no signal on timing of cuts and citing high uncertainty tied to Middle East tensions. Key points: 🔸Economy still growing at a solid pace 🔸Job gains modest; unemployment stable 🔸Inflation now labeled “elevated” (up from “somewhat elevated”), driven by energy prices 🔸Fed watching risks to both growth and inflation The decision passed 8–4, the most dissent since 1992: 🔸One member favored a rate cut 🔸Three opposed any easing bias Bottom line: policy on hold, outlook uncertain, divisions rising inside the Fed.(*Walter Bloomberg)