Construction on the Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, Jan. 12, 2026.Pete Kiehart | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesThe Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday at the conclusion of its first policy decision of the year. In the face of escalating political pressure from President Donald Trump, a softening labor market, persistent inflation pressures and an uncertain geopolitical landscape, "there is no shortage of confusing narratives," said certified financ ...