Federal Reserve Chairman: Short-term increase in energy prices will boost overall inflation.

On the 18th local time, the Federal Reserve announced that it would maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3.5% to 3.75%. The Fed stated that the overall US economy continues to grow at a steady pace, but inflation remains above target levels. They also emphasized the uncertainty of the impact of the situation in the Middle East on the US economy. In the statement released by the Federal Open Market Committee that day, the Fed stated that the US economy continues to grow at a steady pace, with little change in the unemployment rate in recent months, but inflation remains high. The statement pointed out that the current economic outlook is still uncertain, with the development of the situation in the Middle East having an unclear impact on the US economy. The committee will continue to monitor the dual risks facing the goals of full employment and price stability. In terms of policy decisions, the committee announced that it would maintain the interest rate unchanged, and stated that any future adjustments to the rate will be based on evaluations of economic data, changes in outlook, and risk balance.