Amman, Dec 10 (Petra)- The U.S. Federal Reserve reduced interest rates Wednesday for the third consecutive time, a move anticipated by financial markets, amid growing division within the central bank.

The Fed lowered its key rates by a quarter percentage point, bringing them to a range of 3.50–3.75 percent, according to a statement. Three of the 12 members voted against the decision, with two opposing any rate cut and a third calling for a larger half-point reduction.

The Fed said its projections indicate further 25-basis-point cuts in each of 2026 and 2027.

The statement noted that inflation has risen compared with the start of the year and remains moderately high.

//Petra// AF