Fed holds rates as inflation fears grow

Meta and Microsoft reported quarterly earnings as investors raised concerns about AI spending, and the US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. The Bank of Japan is also expected to leave rates unchanged at its meeting on Friday, and UK oil and gas companies are looking away from the North Sea in favour of foreign investment opportunities.Mentioned in this podcast:Microsoft’s cloud business boosts sales as AI investment climbs to $41bnMeta shares drop on falling profits and weak sales forecastUS central bank holds rates steady even as Iran war threatens fresh jolt of inflationUK North Sea oil companies look overseas for growthInvestors warn Bank of Japan faces test to inflation-fighting credibilityListen to Unhedged on Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts or Spotify.Credit: Federal ReserveSave 10% on tickets with the code FTPodcast. Visit ft.com/festival to find out more.Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.comNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Victoria Craig, Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Fiona Symon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our intern is Cole van Miltenburg. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.