Kathmandu. The U. S.Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged, citing that the rise in global energy prices has put pressure on inflation . Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting of Federal Interest Rate of the Fund (Federal Funds Rate) 3.5 to It has been decided to maintain the limit of 3.75 percent. 

In a statement issued after the meeting, recent economic indicators showed that U. S. economic activity is expanding at a satisfactory pace. However, the employment growth rate is lower than and the unemployment rate has remained unchanged at , the bank said. 

Inflation is still at a high level due to the rise in energy prices globally, according to the bank’s . The Federal Reserve has said that it is aware of the risks that the ongoing tensions in the Middle East have added to the global economic outlook, adding to the uncertainties. 

The Committee has made it clear that it will carefully evaluate the need for interest rate adjustment in the coming days and the data, changing economic scenario and the balance of risks. The central bank has reiterated its commitment to bring inflation back to its 2 percent target and ensure maximum employment.

Eleven out of 12 members of the committee voted in favor of the decision.Committee member Stephen Miran voted against the decision, saying that the interest rate should be reduced by 0.25 percentage points . The other three members supported the decision to keep the interest rate unchanged, but disagreed with the inclusion of indication in the same statement.