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Analysis-Fed's balancing act gives respite to tariff-struck investors

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investors are taking some comfort from the U.S. Federal Reserve's wait-and-see approach, after being rattled by tariff-related turmoil that poses a threat to markets and the economy. Since returning to the White House on January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump's rapid-fire tariff policies have spooked stock markets and dented consumer and business confidence, with investors balancing hopes of a pro-business, deregulatory and lower tax agenda against fears of a trade war and potential recession. Fed policymakers signaled a cautious stance of their own on Wednesday at a policy meeting that left interest rates unchanged but acknowledged rising risks to both growth and inflation.

Stock market today: Wall Street drifts higher on signals US economy remains solid, for now at least

Wall Street has been swinging for weeks on a roller-coaster ride, as stock prices veer on uncertainty about what President Donald Trump’s trade war will do to the economy. Stocks got a boost Wednesday after the head of the Federal Reserve said the economy remains solid enough at the moment to leave interest rates where they are. Another report saying sales of previously occupied homes were stronger last month than economists expected accelerated the stock market's gains, while a third report said manufacturing growth in the mid-Atlantic region appears to be better than economists expected.

U.S. stocks rise, dollar strengthens as strong data counters central banks' caution

NEW YORK (Reuters) -U.S. stocks extended their rally and the dollar strengthened as solid data helped investors look past notes of caution from world central bank leaders regarding mounting economic uncertainties and U.S. President Donald Trump's erratic tariff policies. U.S. data showed jobless claims holding steady and an unexpected increase in existing home sales, which helped calm fears that the economy is softening, despite the U.S. Federal Reserve's lowered economic projections released on Wednesday. Straight on the heels of the Fed's decision to hold rates steady, the Bank of England (BoE) followed suit, holding its key interest rate steady while cautioning against assumptions it would cut rates in the near future as it grapples with economic uncertainties.

Trump says Fed would be better off cutting rates as tariffs 'transition' into economy

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the Federal Reserve would be better off cutting rates "as U.S. tariffs start to transition (ease! their way into the economy", on the day the central bank kept rates unchanged. The Trump administration's initial policies, including extensive import tariffs, appear to have tilted the U.S. economy towards slower growth and at least temporarily higher inflation, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said earlier.