The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday kept the target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent, though it faces stark pressure and harsh criticism from the Trump administration.
"Although swings in net exports continue to affect the data, recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year. The unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid. Inflation remains somewhat elevated," said a statement by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).
Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated, said the statement.
The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of three percent in the second quarter, compared with a contraction of 0.5 percent in the first quarter, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Commerce Department.
The FOMC added that it is "strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its two percent objective."
U.S. consumer price index rose by 2.7 percent in June compared to a year earlier and saw the largest increase since February, which is seen as the start of tariff-driven inflation.
Notably, among the 12 voting members of the FOMC, two voted for a cut in the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, while a Fed board member did not cast a vote.
At a press conference after the policy meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank had not yet determined whether it would cut rates at its September meeting, adding that policymakers will assess economic data before then.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday once again urged Powell to lower interest rates, citing better-than-expected GDP data in the second quarter.
U.S. Fed keeps interest rates unchanged despite pressure from Trump administration
