The Fed just cut rates again — and the timing is undeniably awkward

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark lending rate again Thursday, the second time this year as inflation continues to slow.

The quarter-point move comes as the US economy faces a new direction and a new president.

Voters in the US presidential election frequently noted that the economy, and especially higher price levels, were a deciding factor in their decision making.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell took questions at his post-meeting press conference, where the discussion largely centered on what President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House means for the central bank, inflation, rate moves and the Fed’s independence.