Pakistan, July 30 -- The US Federal Reserve has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged for the fifth consecutive meeting, maintaining the federal funds rate at 3.50% to 3.75% as policymakers continue to monitor persistent inflation and economic conditions.

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The decision by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) came amid concerns that rising inflation, partly driven by higher energy prices linked to renewed conflict involving Iran, could place additional pressure on the US economy. While the majority of policymakers supported keeping rates unchanged, three of the committee's 12 members voted in favour of a quarter-percentage-point rate increase, reflecting growing divisi...