History, for example, shows that the Fed’s goal of “softly landing” the U.S. economy — bringing down inflation without harming the job market — has proven difficult and elusive.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected leave its benchmark interest rate steady this week, but economists and market participants will be keeping a close eye on what Fed officials say about the state ...

Central bank policymakers are widely expected to stand pat on interest rates. Investors await further details from Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference.