The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady, with a focus on clues from Fed Chair Jerome Powell about future rate cuts. Several Fed officials have signaled a near-term pause, citing a “good place” for policy. Analysts predict an “extended pause” as the Fed assesses incoming data.

The December jobs report shows soft payroll growth, but a drop in the unemployment rate to 4.4%. Inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% goal, with the Consumer Price Index at 2.6% on a “core” basis. The core Personal Consumption Expenditures index shows elevated inflation at 2.8% for November.

Divided views within the central bank may lead to dissents at the meeting. New voting members favor holding rates steady to rein in inflation, while others believe “policy is in a good place.” Powell is expected to hold a press conference after the meeting to provide further insights on the Fed’s decision-making process.

Read more at Yahoo Finance.: With the Fed expected to hold rates today, the question is when to expect the next cut