Federal Reserve hikes interest rates for the fourth time this year
The Federal Reserve took an aggressive step on Wednesday to combat soaring inflation with the announcement of another larger than usual, three-quarters of a percentage point interest rate hike. The increase comes as central banking officials face a tough balancing act: bringing down rising prices amid growing concerns of an economic downturn.The latest increase brings the federal funds rate to between 2.25% and 2.50%, which is where it was at its most recent high in summer 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic. This marks the fourth interest rate hike of the year as consumer prices have risen at the fastest pace in more than 40 years. Five months ago, the federal funds rate was near zero percent. At its June meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee raised the federal funds rate by...