During a meeting last week between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the president sought to underscore what he said is a "very simple" request: "Interest rates have to come down." That wish isn't likely to be granted when the Fed announces its next interest rate decision on Wednesday. Economists put the probability of the central bank holding rates steady at 96%, according to FactSet. The Fed has maintained its benchmark rate in a range of 4.25% to 4.5% since December 2024, prior to Mr. Trump's second-term inauguration in January, as policy makers try to douse the flickering embers of ... (full story)