While leaving US rates unchanged, Fed keeps an eye overseas

AZ Central: WASHINGTON (AP) -- When the Federal Reserve chose Wednesday not to raise its key interest rate, it nevertheless made clear that its next move will be another increase. That stance puts it at odds with other major central banks, which are doing the reverse - seeking to ease credit to spur lending.

That policy divergence could pose risks for the global economy and may be a reason the Fed has at least slowed its march toward higher rates. Some economists think it may not be until the second half of the year before the Fed raises rates again, in part to avoid departing too far from the policies of the Bank of Japan and the European Central Bank.

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