Fed Maintains Rates Amid Economic Stabilization, Dissent Among Trump Appointees
Jerome Powell signaled cautious Optimism as the Federal Reserve held rates steady, citing improved growth prospects and a stabilizing labor market. The decision reflects a calculated pause after three consecutive "maintenance" cuts earlier this year. Inflation remains slightly elevated, but not enough to warrant immediate action.
Division emerged with Trump-appointed governors Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller voting for another quarter-point cut—Miran's fourth dissent. Powell had previously advocated for more aggressive half-point cuts, but his influence wanes as his term concludes this week. The committee's statement emphasized "solid" economic expansion despite modest job gains.