The Federal Reserve has been cautious on plans to increase interest rates, after four hikes to a key short-term rate in 2018 after deficit-financed tax cuts caused economic growth to accelerate. But amid signs of slowing growth despite robust hiring and a 4% unemployment rate, the relatively low level of inflation close to the Fed's 2% target has reduced pressure to continue increasing rates.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 13, 2019 15:22 UTC