URGENT: U.S. Fed holds key rate steady amid continued inflation

The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its benchmark interest rate steady at a 23-year high of 5.25-5.50 percent as government data released earlier in the day showed inflation has continued amid signs of easing.

The rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee said in a statement, "In recent months, there has been modest further progress toward" toward its 2 percent inflation objective.

© Kyodo News