Analysts believe the US Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain rates and leave them unchanged for a fourth consecutive meeting was in line with expectations. The Fed had previously lowered short-term interest rates in three consecutive meetings before pausing the easing cycle in January. The decision was on expected lines as policymakers continue to grapple with inflationary pressures stemming from higher energy prices due to the West Asia conflict. In fact some experts believe, elevated inflation forecasts and slower GDP growth, reflects the Fed’s ongoing focus on controlling inflationary pressures even if it comes at the cost of moderation in economic growth.
