Fed Holds Rates Steady Amidst Trump's Pressure, Cites Robust Economic Growth

• The US Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 3.50-3.75% despite President Donald Trump's calls for cuts.
• The decision, made at the first policy meeting of the year, was based on robust economic growth and a stabilizing unemployment rate.
• The Federal Open Market Committee voted 10-2, with Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller dissenting, advocating for a quarter-percentage-point cut.
• This marks a pause after three consecutive quarter-point rate cuts, driven by concerns over a cooling jobs market.
• Trump has intensified pressure on the Fed, attempting to remove Governor Lisa Cook and investigating Chairman Jerome Powell.

Why It Matters: The Fed resisted Trump's pressure, holding interest rates steady due to strong economic indicators.