1st LD: U.S. Fed slashes rates by 25 basis points, bracing for policy uncertainty

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday slashed interest rates by 25 basis points, the third consecutive rate cut in this easing cycle, as it braces for uncertainty stemming from the incoming Donald Trump administration's tariff policies.

"The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate," the Federal Open Market Commit