Fed announces smallest interest hike in a year as inflation ‘eases somewhat’

Quarter-point increase to a range of 4.5% to 4.75% signals a slowdown in Fed’s fight against soaring inflationThe US Federal Reserve signaled a slowdown in its fight against soaring inflation on Wednesday, announcing its smallest hike in interest rates in almost a year.After its latest meeting, the Fed announced a quarter-point increase in its benchmark interest rate to a range of 4.5% to 4.75%, the smallest increase since March last year. “Inflation has eased somewhat but remains elevated,” the Fed said in a statement adding that “ongoing increases” will be appropriate as it seeks to bring prices down.