US Federal Reserve lowered interest rates for the second straight month on Wednesday amid growing uncertainty about US economy.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cut its benchmark rate by a quarter percentage point to a range of 3.75% to 4%. The decision passed by a 10-2 vote, with Fed Governor Stephen Miran advocating for a deeper 0.5-point cut and Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid preferring to hold rates steady.

After months of resisting pressure from President Trump to ease policy, the Fed began lowering rates in September and indicated plans for at least one more reduction before year’s end.

Wednesday’s decision, however, came under unusual circumstances. The ongoing government shutdown has halted the release of crucial federal economic data, forcing the Fed to ac

See Full Page