The US Federal Reserve has reduced its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, lowering the main lending rate to between 4 and 4.25 percent. It is the first cut since December, as officials balance inflation risks against slowing job growth. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the decision reflects a shift in economic risks, and analysts expect further reductions in October and December. Taiwan’s stock market surged following the move, with the central bank set to hold its own policy meeting on Thursday.
