Anonymous15 days ago
The Federal Reserve held interest rates at 3.50–3.75% on March 18, 2026, and reaffirmed its projection of just a single rate cut this year amid persistent inflation, rising unemployment, and mounting geopolitical uncertainty. With core PCE inflation at 3.1%—more than a full percentage point above the 2% target—and the unemployment rate climbing to 4.4%, the Fed faces a deepening conflict between its dual mandates, leaving American households and entire economic sectors to absorb the cost of extended rate elevation.