In his initial presidential term, Mr. Trump appointed Mr. Powell to the Federal Reserve position, opting not to offer a second term to Janet Yellen. There were reports indicating Mr. Trump's belief that he has a superior understanding of interest rates compared to the Federal Reserve officials. Despite Mr. Trump's desire for immediate drops in interest rates worldwide with the decline in oil prices, the Fed's decision maintained the interest rates at 4.25%-4.50%. Mr. Powell emphasized the need to wait for clearer economic signals before making significant decisions. The Fed projected a reduction in borrowing costs by half a percentage point by year-end due to slowing economic growth and a potential decrease in inflation. Furthermore, the Fed mentioned uncertainty in the economic outlook. Prior to Mr. Trump's inauguration, three rate cuts totaling a full percentage point had been made, reducing borrowing costs from 5.5%. The Fed has kept interest rates consistent following its decision in January, despite President Trump's requests for lower borrowing costs. President Trump's tariffs were identified as a significant contributor to the rise in inflation by Mr. Powell. The Fed revised its inflation forecast for the year to 2.7%, a 0.2% upward adjustment from the previous prediction. The Fed target for inflation remains 2%, while economic growth projections were revised down from 2.1% to 1.7% for the year. The Fed expressed concerns over escalating uncertainty due to Mr. Trump's trade war and the possible impact on the US economy. The European Union has accused Google of breaching digital laws, while forcing Apple to enhance compatibility with competitors' products. The US Federal Reserve foresees no interest rate cuts in response to President Trump’s tariff policies and the inflationary effects they produce. The Fed’s conservative stance comes amid escalating trade tensions and the possibility of a global economic downturn. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell addressed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs and inflation expectations during a press conference. The Fed projects a deceleration in economic growth coupled with a slight uptick in unemployment by year-end. The US Federal Reserve remains cautious about the economic impact of President Trump's trade war and how it may influence inflation and growth projections. President Trump's trade policies have elicited uncertainty in global markets, prompting the Fed to adopt a conservative approach during its interest rate decision. The US Federal Reserve opted not to change interest rates, highlighting growing economic uncertainty influenced by President Trump's tariff policies. President Trump's trade war rhetoric is increasing concerns about US economic stability and has led to a reevaluation of Fed interest rate projections. President Trump's aggressive tariff strategies continue to fuel uncertainty in global markets, prompting the Fed to take a wait-and-see approach with interest rates. The Fed's decision not to lower interest rates underscores the economic caution stemming from President Trump's trade policies and their potential inflationary effects. President Trump's tariffs have heightened concerns about economic growth and inflation, prompting the Fed to maintain a stable interest rate outlook.
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