Reuters poll: Fed likely to hold rates for at least six more months

A Reuters survey suggests war-related energy shocks are reigniting inflation pressures, leading the Federal Reserve to delay any rate cuts for at least the next six months. Of 103 economists polled April 17–21, 56 said the benchmark rate would stay in the 3.50%–3.75% range through the end of September. That marks a sharp shift from a late-March poll, when nearly 70% expected at least one cut by then. In the latest survey, 71 economists still see at least one cut in 2024, with the median call for a single reduction—in line with the Fed’s dot-plot guidance. Nearly one-third now anticipate no change in rates this year, double the share in the prior survey.