Federal Reserve is likely to show little urgency to cut interest rates despite market’s anticipation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve will likely move closer Wednesday (Jan. 31, 2024) to cutting its key interest rate after nearly two years of hikes that were intended to fight the worst inflation in decades. Yet it may not provide much of a hint about when it will do so. Though Fed officials are expected to cut rates within the next few months, they’ll likely signal Wednesday that they expect to wait until they’re confident that inflation, which has tumbled from its peak, is reliably moving to their 2% target. The central bank’s benchmark rate influences the cost of most consumer and business loans, and companies, investors and individuals have been eager for the central bank to ease the cost of borrowing.