Fed Holds Rates Steady Despite Split Vote Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, but three policymakers voted to raise them. Bitcoin and gold both climbed within minutes of the announcement.

The split vote is the most contested outcome of Kevin Warsh's short tenure as chair. Interest rate swaps then pulled back from a fully priced September increase.

Warsh took over in May, and his first meeting in June produced a unanimous hold. Analysts had warned he might get a Fed family feud this time instead.