Some economists were saying Wednesday that the cutting cycle is over, while others think Chairman Jerome Powell’s Federal Reserve won’t ease again until 2026.

After three cuts at the end of last year, Federal Reserve officials paused rate moves as they weigh a solid economy and rising inflation risks. Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chair, said the central bank was not on a “pre-set course.

The U.S. central bank held interest rates steady on Wednesday and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said there would be no rush to cut them again until inflation and jobs data made it appropriate. The decision and Powell's comments put Fed policy in a holding pattern at a time when the U.