A senior White House official has signaled a more hands-off approach to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision as the Federal Open Market Committee (Fed rate-setting panel) meets for its September session. The policy rate is currently 3.50%-3.75%, while markets have largely anticipated a quarter-point increase to 3.75%-4.00%. Rate-hike odds rose from 80% to 85.5% over 24 hours, although the White House’s softened position has introduced uncertainty into expectations. The decision and any remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell will be watched for clues about the Fed’s response to ongoing inflation pressures and its future policy direction. Economic data and geopolitical developments could also influence expectations for later Fed actions. The source also promotes live prediction-market analysis powered by Vera and invites readers to sign up.