Amidst‌ neighborhood complaints about⁤ the lack ​of water service and questions about the quality of basic services, the hearing for the rate charged by ​ABSA to users in La Plata was​ held this Friday. The hearing, which at times became tense due to the complaints⁣ of ‌residents who expressed⁣ thier anger, took place at the​ Ministry of Infrastructure, ​and the final resolution is now awaited.

With the aim of creating a‍ “more progressive” rate, where properties with higher tax​ valuations pay more, the company sought approval for a 40 percent increase starting in February⁢ and for adjustments to be made bi-monthly. The proposal consists of a 40% increase⁢ per m3 from February, bringing it⁤ to $275.46 for the residential sector.

“Bi-monthly adjustments will begin with the implementation of the ​polynomial‌ formula already in place to update the value of the cubic meter,” officials explained, stating that “it is based on the Salary Index (IS) and the Wholesale Price Index⁣ (IPIM) for “Electric Energy” and “Chemical Substances and ⁢products.” They also⁢ clarified that ⁢”strictly speaking, they will not imply a tariff increase in real ⁢terms, but will‌ allow maintaining the value linked to the effects​ of the increases in critical inputs captured by the formula.”

The⁣ fact is that the entry into force of the modification is subject to the date of publication ⁣of the resolution act in the ‍Official Bulletin of the Province – which is‌ in the hands⁣ of the minister – and will take effect from⁤ the first day⁢ of the following month. That ‍is, if it is⁢ indeed published during January, the update⁢ will be applied ‍to the February invoice. It should⁣ be clarified that February and march have⁤ already been billed, ‌so the bills will not reflect the impact ⁤of the modifications on the amount already issued. Thus, the new amounts will only be reflected from the April​ invoice.

The first to speak were ​the representatives of Absa, who emphasized‌ the‍ works they are carrying out and justified the request for⁢ adjustment. ⁣In this way, the provincial operator, which provides water and sewer services to 2.6 million users in 95 locations in the Buenos ‌Aires territory,argued for‌ the ‍update ‍of the ‍billing module or⁢ cubic​ meter,from the ​current $196.76 to $275.46 for residential users, whose universe consists of 751,234 units.

Then ⁣Gastón Arias,from the Buenos Aires Province OmbudsmanS Office,and later

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US Federal Reserve Maintains⁢ Interest Rates at 5.25%-5.50% Range

The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open‍ Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its January 9-10, 2026 meeting, maintaining the federal funds rate in a target ‍range of 5.25% to 5.50%. This marks the eighth consecutive⁢ meeting where the committee has held rates steady, signaling a pause in⁢ its tightening cycle initiated in March ⁣2022 to combat inflation. The committee continues ⁣to ‍assess additional facts and its implications for monetary policy.

current Federal Funds Rate

The current target range for the federal funds rate is 5.25% to 5.50%.‍ This rate influences a wide range of consumer and business loan ⁤rates, including those for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.

The FOMC first raised the ​federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points on March 16, 2022, initiating a series of increases throughout the ​year. The rate reached its current level following the July 2023 meeting. Minutes of ​the July 26-27, 2023 FOMC meeting detail the rationale for that decision.

Example: As of ‌January 10, 2026, the ⁢effective federal funds rate is 5.33%,‌ according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Inflation and Economic Outlook

The FOMC stated ​that⁢ inflation ‌has eased over the past year but remains above the Committee’s longer-run goal of 2 percent. Economic activity has been​ expanding at a moderate rate.

The December 2023 Summary of economic Projections indicated that most FOMC participants anticipate that the federal funds rate will remain above 5% through 2024, with ⁤potential rate cuts beginning in 2025. Summary of Economic ⁤Projections provides detailed forecasts from committee members.

Evidence: The Consumer price Index (CPI) rose 3.1% over the 12 months ending in December 2025, according to the bureau of Labor Statistics,indicating continued,though moderating,inflationary pressures.

Federal Reserve⁤ Leadership

The current Chair of the Federal Reserve is Jerome Powell. He was nominated by President ⁣Biden and confirmed by the Senate for a second term in April‍ 2022.Jerome Powell’s biography is available ‍on the Federal Reserve Board website.

The Vice Chair is philip Jefferson, confirmed by the Senate in September 2022. Philip Jefferson’s biography ‍ is⁤ also available on the Federal ⁣Reserve Board website.

Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)

The FOMC is the monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve System. It consists of the​ seven members of the Board of ​Governors of the Federal Reserve System and five of the twelve Reserve Bank ‍presidents.The FOMC’s structure ​and responsibilities ⁢are detailed on the Federal Reserve Board website.

Future Monetary Policy

The FOMC stated it is⁤ prepared​ to adjust the stance‍ of ⁢monetary policy as appropriate if economic conditions warrant. Future decisions will depend on ⁣incoming economic data and the evolving outlook for inflation and employment.

The committee will continue to ⁤monitor global economic and financial developments. The official statement from ‍the ​January 10, 2026 FOMC meeting ⁢ provides the most up-to-date guidance on the committee’s intentions.

Example: Market⁣ analysts at Goldman Sachs predict a first rate cut in June 2026, contingent on continued moderation in inflation and a stable labor market. (Note: This is ‍a market prediction, not an official