The Federal Reserve Board unexpectedly lowered its base interest rate from 1.5-1.75% to 1-1.25%, dropping it by 50 basis points at once. Market participants expected that the regulator would make a decision on a rate change only at the meeting on March 18. The Fed has taken emergency measures in connection with the spread of the coronavirus, which creates additional risks for economic activity, and the fall of markets. The last time a rate cut occurred outside of a scheduled meeting of the regulator was during the 2008 crisis. It is noted that the Central Bank came to such decision amid pressure from the US Presidential Administration Donald Trump.
