Federal Reserve , Announces Pause On Rate Hikes , Amid Easing Inflation.br On September 20, the Federal Reserve paused its string br of interest rate hikes as it waits to see if its efforts br over the past 18 months have finally slowed inflation.br NBC reports that the central bank br kept its main policy rate in br the range of 5.25 to 5.5. .br The Fed reportedly cited an easing of economic br conditions, while also noting that inflation remains br above the agency's intended 2 target.br According to the Fed, the economy is in good shape br as job gains slow and credit conditions tighten, br likely slowing economic activity and inflation.br In August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics br said that prices were up 3.7 compared br to the same time in 2022. .br The string of rate hikes has increased br interest rates on credit cards and mortgages, br which have reached all-time highs.br The string of rate hikes has increased br interest rates on credit cards and mortgages, br which have reached all-time highs.br Investors fear that the Fed's actions could br lead stock market sell-offs and a recession, br which would result in widespread job losses.br NBC reports that the Federal Open br Market Committee's next scheduled br meeting is on October 31.br This does not assure that br we won’t see another interest br rate increase in the months ahead, Greg McBride, Chief financial analyst for Bankrate, via NBC.