- The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 3.5-3.75%, pausing after previous rate cuts.
- Chair Jerome Powell noted a solid US economy but acknowledged ongoing inflation and slow job growth.
- Powell advised his successor to avoid involvement in political matters, following recent Justice Department subpoenas and presidential criticism.

A: Hey Hana! Did you hear anything about the US interest rates?

B: No, Kenji! What's up? Tell me!

A: Apparently, the Federal Reserve – that’s like the US bank – didn’t change the interest rates.

B: Really? They’ve been changing them a lot lately, haven't they? I thought they’d lower them again.

A: Yeah, they lowered them the last three times! Now they’re keeping them between 3.5 and 3.75 percent. Two people on the board disagreed.

B: Wow. So, is everything okay with the US economy?

A: It sounds like it! The boss, Jerome Powell, said the economy is doing pretty well. Job growth is slow, but unemployment is looking stable. Inflation is still a bit high, though.

B: Hmm, makes sense. I heard President Trump isn’t happy about it. He wanted them to lower the rates more!

A: Totally! And get this - Powell’s job is ending soon. Trump’s gonna pick someone new!

B: Serious! That’s a big deal. And did you see this crazy thing?

A: What?

B: Apparently, the Justice Department gave the Fed subpoenas! Like, threatening them with charges! It’s wild.

A: No way! Everyone’s talking about it. Even former bank people from all over the world think it's strange.

B: Crazy times! Powell gave some advice for the new person too.

A: He did! He said they should stay away from politics! Pretty direct, huh?