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Analysis-Fed's balancing act gives respite to tariff-struck investors

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investors are taking some comfort from the U.S. Federal Reserve's wait-and-see approach, after being rattled by tariff-related turmoil that poses a threat to markets and the economy. Since returning to the White House on January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump's rapid-fire tariff policies have spooked stock markets and dented consumer and business confidence, with investors balancing hopes of a pro-business, deregulatory and lower tax agenda against fears of a trade war and potential recession. Fed policymakers signaled a cautious stance of their own on Wednesday at a policy meeting that left interest rates unchanged but acknowledged rising risks to both growth and inflation.

Stock market today: Wall Street drifts higher on signals US economy remains solid, for now at least

Wall Street has been swinging for weeks on a roller-coaster ride, as stock prices veer on uncertainty about what President Donald Trump’s trade war will do to the economy. Stocks got a boost Wednesday after the head of the Federal Reserve said the economy remains solid enough at the moment to leave interest rates where they are. Another report saying sales of previously occupied homes were stronger last month than economists expected accelerated the stock market's gains, while a third report said manufacturing growth in the mid-Atlantic region appears to be better than economists expected.