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MNN US · January 29, 2026 · 1 min read

US Federal Reserve pauses interest rate hikes, defends independence

What happened: The US Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged, despite two officials voting for a cut, including a former adviser to Donald Trump.

Why it matters:

  • Maintaining current rates affects borrowing costs for consumers and businesses.
  • The Fed's stance on independence signals its commitment to policy decisions free from political pressure.

MNN Take: The Fed's decision reflects caution amid economic uncertainty, balancing inflation control with growth concerns while emphasising its autonomy in setting monetary policy.

Sources: BBC US & Canada