By Christopher Condon and Rich Miller
Federal Reserve officials raised interest rates for a third time this year and reaffirmed thei r outlook for further gradual hikes well into 2019, risking fresh criticism from President Donald Trump.
The quarter-point increase boosted the benchmark federal funds rate to a target range of 2 per cent to 2.25 per cent. The move reflected an upbeat assessment of the economy that was identical to the central bank’s last policy statement eight weeks ago, despite concerns over Trump’s escalating trade war.
Growth and job gains have been “strong” and inflation remains near the central bank’s 2 per cent target, the Federal Open Market Committee said in its statement Wednesday following a two-day meeting in Washington.
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