US Fed expected to hold rates steady as Iran war roils outlook

The Fed will start its two-day meeting on Tuesday, with an announcement of the benchmark lending rate in the world's largest economy a day later. The central bank cut rates three consecutive times last year before holding them steady at its January meeting. It has a dual mandate of holding inflation near a long-term target of two percent while ensuring maximum employment. With war in the Middle East causing global oil prices to spike, potentially increasing overall inflation and curbing growth...