Key Takeaways It would be a huge surprise to financial markets if the Federal Reserve did anything other than hold its interest rate flat when the Fed's policy committee meets Wednesday.The Fed's battle to subdue inflation is entering a holding pattern.

It is highly unlikely that the Federal Open Market Committee will cut interest rates on January 29. However, a cut in March or May could be possible.

The Federal Reserve will hold its first policy meeting of the year on Jan. 28 and 29, where it is widely expected to keep interest rates right where they are after cutting three times since September.