Fed officials are expected to keep the central bank's key interest rate steady as they wait and see how the Iran war affects inflation and the job market.

April 21 (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller on Tuesday said he would "absolutely" oppose any effort to try to fire Fed regional bank presidents over disagreements on interest rate policy.

Fed policymakers in March opted to keep benchmark interest rates steady in ​their current 3.50% to 3.75% range.

Mortgage interest rates have seen significant movement in recent weeks. Here's what they are as of April 17, 2026.

The Fed is an independent agency, not a political institution, so the president can't control the rates himself, though President Donald Trump is always pushing boundaries and has threatened to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell before the end of his term next month.

The central bank official advocated a patient approach as officials watch incoming data for clues about where the U.S. economy is heading.

By Howard Schneider and Ann Saphir WASHINGTON, April 17 (Reuters) - Reopened Middle East shipping and plummeting oil prices on Friday boosted bets the Federal Reserve may begin cutting interest rates as soon as December,

Sen. Elizabeth Warren grilled Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh about disclosing his financial assets and his independence from President Trump during tense questioning at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.