In a notable decision, the Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive meeting, defying calls from President Trump for aggressive cuts. This latest meeting saw the highest level of dissent among governors since 1993, with two Trump appointees voting in favor of rate cuts. Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the importance of Fed independence and noted that a September cut remains uncertain amid concerns about slowing economic growth and inflation risks. The market reacted with mixed performance as investors adjusted their expectations for future rate cuts, illustrating the challenging climate for Fed policymakers navigating political pressures.