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#FOMC9To3Split The latest FOMC minutes revealed a surprisingly divided Federal Reserve. Officials voted 9–3 to maintain the federal-funds target at 3.50%–3.75%, while Lorie Logan, Beth Hammack and Neel Kashkari preferred a 25-basis-point increase. Most members supported waiting, partly because softer inflation and weaker employment data reduced the case for immediate tightening. However, several officials warned that another increase could become necessary if inflation stops improving. The minutes create a mixed environment for risk assets. A September hold would reduce near-term pressure on Bitcoin, equities and growth stocks, but persistent inflation and elevated long-term Treasury yields remain important risks. The Fed also discussed vulnerabilities connected to AI-infrastructure financing, expensive stock valuations and Treasury-market volatility. Investors should therefore avoid interpreting “no immediate hike” as a return to easy money. Upcoming CPI, employment and wage data will determine whether the three dissenting officials gain additional support.