Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady for third straight meeting

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, marking the central bank's third consecutive pause in 2026. The decision comes as the U.S. economy grapples with rising inflation due to the Iran war and fitful job growth . The Fed maintained the federal funds rate — what banks charge each other for short-term loans — in its current range of 3.5% to 3.75%. …