Fed stays put on interest rate

The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday and signaled that it’s unlikely to either raise or cut rates in coming months amid signs of renewed economic health but unusually low inflation. The Fed left its benchmark rate — which influences many consumer and business loans — in a range of

2.25 percent to 2.5 percent. Its low-rate policy has helped boost stock prices and supported a steadily growing economy. A statement from the Fed spotlighted its continuing failure so far to lift annual inflation to at least its

2 percent target rate. The Fed’s preferred 12-month inflation barometer is running at about 1.5 percent.