Decision-Day Guide: Fed chair Powell’s future a bigger question than rates

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Uncertainty over the economic outlook and a leadership transition at the Federal Reserve clouds this week’s policy meeting, where officials are widely expected to keep rates unchanged. Rising energy prices and supply disruptions from the Iran war risk stoking inflation while slowing growth, reinforcing a wait-and-see stance, with the benchmark rate likely held at 3.5%–3.75% for a third meeting.