Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Inflation Watch | Jersey News

Jersey City News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 17, 2026 · 1m

The Fed just kept rates steady for the third straight time, signaling patience as inflation still lags behind their 2% target. Chair Jerome Powell insists they’re waiting for sustained progress on inflation and a stronger job market before even considering cuts — meaning higher borrowing costs are here to stay for now. Homebuyers and businesses are feeling the squeeze as uncertainty lingers over when relief might come. The Fed’s next move will hinge entirely on incoming data — especially inflation and employment numbers — as they walk a tightrope between cooling prices and avoiding recession…