Federal Reserve holds rates steady again signaling caution as Powell exit talk grows

Third pause amid energy shocks and supply disruptions

The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for the third straight time, pointing to global risks including higher energy prices and supply disruptions. While officials weigh inflation control against the danger of overly aggressive tightening, the decision could bring short-term comfort to Indian markets. Still, stubbornly high crude oil remains a major threat to sentiment and inflation expectations.