# #FedHoldsRateButDividesDeepen

On April 30, the Fed held rates at 3.50%-3.75% for the third consecutive meeting. However, the 8-4 vote marked the deepest internal divide since 1992. Three regional presidents opposed keeping an easing bias in the statement, while one governor supported an immediate rate cut. As Middle East tensions keep oil prices elevated, the Fed acknowledged that inflation remains high, with energy as a key driver. Markets are now repricing the risk of "higher for longer" — or even a potential rate hike — putting risk assets under renewed pressure.