Trump’s blasting of the Federal Reserve and Jerome Powell came just hours after the announcement that interest rates would stand at 4.25% to 4.5%.

After three cuts at the end of last year, Federal Reserve officials paused rate moves as they weigh a solid economy and rising inflation risks. Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chair, said the central bank was not on a “pre-set course.

Consumers and traders are waiting to learn if the Fed’s pause is a one-meeting hold or the start of a longer stretch.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell made clear on Wednesday the US central bank intends to hold interest rates where they are for the foreseeable future, pointing to a number of reasons why he and his colleagues expect to take their time before lowering borrowing costs again.

The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday after cutting it three times in a row last year, a sign of a more cautious approach as the Fed seeks to gauge where inflation is headed and what policies President Donald Trump may pursue.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reaffirmed the central banks independence on Wednesday, emphasizing that politics will not influence interest rate decisions or the Feds recent withdrawal from a global