The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to leave its target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 4.25%–4.50% when policymakers meet on 30 July, according to a Reuters survey of 105 economists that showed unanimous agreement on a July hold. Looking ahead, 56 respondents forecast a 25-basis-point reduction in September, and roughly two-thirds of the panel anticipate the central bank will deliver one or two cuts in total before the end of the year as inflation pressures moderate. Separate polling highlights rising unease around the Fed’s operating environment. Of 50 economists questioned, 36 said they were worried about the institution’s independence amid mounting political scrutiny. Another survey found nearly 90% of 100 economists are concerned about the reliability of official U.S. economic statistics, with two-thirds warning that poor data could complicate monetary-policy decisions.