Fed leaves its key rate unchanged but hints of future cuts

By Martin Crutsinger, The Associated Press
The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday but signaled that it’s prepared to start cutting rates if needed to protect the U.S. economy from trade conflicts and other threats.
The Fed kept its benchmark rate — which influences many consumer and business loans — in a range of 2.25% to 2.5%, where it’s been since December.
It issued a statement saying that because “uncertainties” have increased,