The US Federal Reserve is almost certain to hold its key lending rate steady for a fourth consecutive meeting Wednesday, as inflation continues to inch closer towards its long-term target of two percent. But analysts and traders will be looking beyond the headline figure -- which is likely to remain unchanged -- for any indication of how soon the US central bank could start cutting rates. Following a post-pandemic surge in inflation, the Fed rapidly hiked interest rates in a bid to bring the price-increase measurement back down towards its goal of two percent -- with surprising success. In recent months, the Fed's ... (full story)