Fed Raises Rates , by a Quarter Point.<br />The Federal Reserve issued its <br />tenth rate hike since last March on May 3.<br />The decision to hike interest rates by <br />a quarter of a point was unanimous. .<br />The benchmark federal funds <br />rate is now at 5%-5.25%.<br />That's the highest it's been <br />in over 15 years, CNN reports.<br />The move follows the collapse of <br />Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate and Signature Bank.<br />The move follows the collapse of <br />Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate and Signature Bank.<br />Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank will "approach the question" of a pause in <br />rate hikes "at the June meeting.".<br />The Federal Reserve also said that current strict lending standards may slow the economy, helping to ease inflation.<br />Tighter credit conditions for households and businesses are likely to weigh on economic activity, hiring and inflation, Federal Reserve, via statement.<br />The extent of those effects remains uncertain, Federal Reserve, via statement
