D-Day Guide: US Fed readies to pause with one last hike

The US Federal Reserve is anticipated to raise its interest rate by another 25 basis points and indicate a pause in the future, following a period of turmoil in the financial markets. The impending rise would mark the third 25-bp hike in a row, bringing the federal funds rate to a range between 5% to 5.25%, a level previously reached in 2007. Experts predict that a range of factors, including tighter lending conditions and an economic slowdown, suggest that inflation may cool in the months ahead. However, the decision has been hampered by recent events in the banking sector.