Fed leaves interest rates unchanged again despite still-high inflation

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday held interest rates steady for the third time this year even as central bankers confront a surprisingly resilient economy and still too-high inflation.

The widely expected decision left interest rates unchanged at a range of 5.25% to 5.5%, the highest level in 22 years. But policymakers also left the door open to an additional increase before the end of the year amid concerns that inflation "remains elevated." 

"In determining the extent of additional policy firming that may be appropriate to return inflation to 2 percent over time, the committee will take into account the cumulative tightening of monetary policy, the lags with which monetary policy affects economic activity and inflation, and economic and financial developments," the Fed said in its post-meeting statement.