At its meeting, which concluded moments ago, the US Federal Reserve decided, by a majority vote of 7 to 3, to keep interest rates unchanged at 3.75%, as expected, for the fifth consecutive meeting. Three members favored raising the rate by a quarter of a percentage point.

The statement indicated that economic activity is showing strong growth despite increased uncertainty, partly due to the conflict in the Middle East. Inflation remains high compared to the Committee’s 2% target, with rising prices in certain sectors. The Committee is working to stabilize prices.

Markets are awaiting the press conference of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, which will begin in less than half an hour, to answer journalists’ questions.