US Fed keeps interest rates unchanged for sixth consecutive meeting

US Federal Reserve voted on Wednesday to maintain interest rates for its sixth consecutive meeting, in line with market and analyst expectations.

The US Central Bank kept the main lending rate between 5.25% and 5.50% unchanged.

The Federal Reserve was preparing months ago to start lowering interest rates, which have ranged between 5.25 and 5.50% since July, the highest level since the beginning of the third millennium.

Recently, inflation recorded a jump after it appeared to be declining, which prompted the monetary institution to be cautious before lowering the interest rate, which might lead to a new rise in prices.

The Fed must act carefully because if it introduces monetary flexibility too late, it risks harming economic growth and the labor market.

Weeks ago, the markets were betting on a first cut in June, but now they are waiting for September or even November, according to estimates from the CMI Group.

Inflation rose to 2.7% on an annual basis in March, according to the personal consumption expenditures index adopted by the Federal Reserve, which it wants to reduce to 2%.

Another measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index on which US retirement salaries are calculated, also accelerated last month to 3.5% on an annual basis.