URGENT: U.S. Fed holds key rate steady amid stubborn inflation

The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its benchmark interest rate steady at a 23-year high of 5.25-5.50 percent amid stubborn inflation.

The Fed's sixth consecutive decision to stick with the same target range for the federal funds rate, which commercial banks charge each other for overnight loans, was announced following a two-day policy meeting.

© Kyodo News