After its January 31 meeting, the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to keep interest rates unchanged, a move that was in line with market expectations and reflected the Federal Reserve's (Fed) continued focus on inflation.。

Fed President Jerome Powell said after the meeting that it is unlikely to cut interest rates in March because the current level of inflation is still high and it is not appropriate to ease monetary policy.。Despite the recent positive trend in inflation, Powell noted that continued data are needed to confirm the continued downward trend in inflation.。

Inflation levels have been moving in a positive direction over the past six months, with core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) annualized at 2% in the fourth quarter.。Still, Powell said more evidence is needed to build confidence that inflation continues to fall。

In addition to its decision to keep interest rates unchanged, the Fed announced changes to its employees' trading and investment policies in response to a dispute between two regional Fed presidents over the deal.。The new rules are intended to impose stricter restrictions on the trading activities of senior Fed officials to ensure that their conduct complies with ethical and legal regulations.。

The current level of interest rates remains at a 23-year high, reflecting the Fed's cautious approach to economic management.。Despite signs of weakness in the labor market, the Fed is weighing the need to control inflation and avoid premature rate cuts and the risk of soaring inflation。Earlier, the market expected a possible rate cut, but Powell's speech lowered expectations for early easing.。