Fed Holds Rates Steady
The Fed kept rates unchanged as officials weighed sticky inflation and internal division.
Summary
On July 29, the Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate at 3.5% to 3.75% in a 9-3 FOMC vote, with three officials dissenting in favor of a quarter-point increase. Chair Kevin Warsh, leading his second meeting since taking office on May 2, said inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target and that there is “no magic wand” to lower prices. The Dow fell about 1,100 points after the decision and his remarks, while oil rose roughly 6% amid U.S.-Iran tensions.
The Coverage
Divided Hawkish FedMostly Center
The rate hold revealed a Fed split over how hard to keep pressing against inflation. Warsh’s hawkish message was muddied by dissent, but it still left investors preparing for tighter policy or even a future hike.
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