Federal Reserve confronts 'contradictory' economy as it considers next interest rate hike

It would all seem to spell an economic downturn. Indeed, many consumers would agree that between inflation and tighter credit conditions — and with no more pandemic financial assistance in sight — this is the worst they’ve felt about their finances since Covid-19 swooped in and upended everything. Yet, as the Federal Reserve gets ready to make its latest announcement Wednesday afternoon about whether it will raise its key federal funds rate for the 10th consecutive time, finance commentators continue to disagree about how it should respond to economic conditions....