U.S. Fed raises rates, but signals slower pace of hikes next year

U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell reacts during a press conference in Washington D.C., the United States, on Dec. 19, 2018. The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised short-term interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, but signaled a slower pace of rate hikes next year as the U.S. economy is expected to cool down. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)