Fed to Hold Rates Amid Political Storm Around Powell; Jobs Market Stabilizes

• The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain current interest rates, pausing its cutting cycle.
• A steadier jobs market and easing inflation concerns have brought consensus back to the central bank.
• Officials believe rates are now in a 'strike zone' that neither restrains nor stimulates the economy.
• Chair Jerome Powell faces intensifying political and legal pressure, including a DOJ probe and President Trump's demands for rate cuts.
• The decision aims to shift focus back to the Fed's core mandates of controlling inflation and maximizing employment.

Why It Matters: The Fed is set to hold interest rates steady, finding consensus amidst political pressure on Jerome Powell.