Here’s a summary of the key data from the provided text:
* Inflation & Interest Rates: despite holding interest rates steady for the fifth meeting in a row, the fed is concerned about persistent inflation, which has actually risen over the last three months (as March 2021).
* Political Pressure: Donald Trump is actively pressuring the Fed to lower interest rates and has publicly criticized Chair Jerome Powell and other committee members. The Fed is also worried Trump’s tariffs could worsen inflation.
* Recent Fed Meeting: The FOMC (Federal open Market Committee) kept the fed funds rate unchanged. However, two members dissented and voted for a rate cut.
* How the Fed Works: The FOMC is the body that makes monetary policy decisions. It consists of 12 members: the 7 board governors, the New York Fed president, and 4 rotating regional bank presidents. They meet 8 times a year.
