Fed holds rates steady but with highest level of dissent since 1992

An unusually divided Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its key interest rate steady as policymakers grappled with the policy impact of persistent inflation and awaited a looming leadership transition at the central bank.

In what may have been Chair Jerome Powell’s final meeting at the helm, the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee voted to hold the benchmark funds rate in a range between 3.5%-3.75%. Markets had been pricing in a 100% chance of no change.

However, the meeting saw a dramatic turn.

Amid expectations for a routine vote to hold the benchmark funds rate steady, the Federal Open Market Committee instead was split along 8-4 lines, with officials expressing different reasons for their vote.

The last time four FOMC members dissented was in October 1992.