US interest rates: still time for another drink … or even two

Federal Reserve rules out any rate rise for at least three months due to global economic uncertainties

Time for one last drink before the bar closes. Maybe even a couple. That was the message from the Federal Reserve on Thursday as it kept interest rates on hold and appeared to rule out a move for at least the next three months.

In truth, the decision by the US central bank was not that much of a surprise, although the soft tone of its comments were. Wall Street had not been primed for a move. Only 30% of market participants thought the Fed would move this month, and this is a central bank which prides itself on its communication skills.

Related: Federal Reserve leaves US interest rates unchanged - live updates

Related: Dear Federal Reserve: stop waiting for the 'perfect' time to raise rates and just do it