The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Dec. 11, edition that the U.S. Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter point on Wednesday but indicated it might keep rates steady in the coming months, a move that could draw criticism from President Donald Trump, who has called for significant reductions in borrowing costs. An Associated Press dispatch to The Globe reports that the Fed's rate-setting committee indicated that further rate cuts would depend on signs that the economy is slowing down. Fed officials signalled they expect to lower rates just once next year. Wednesday's cut reduced the rate to about 3.6 per cent, the lowest it has been in nearly three years. Three Fed officials dissented in the latest decision, the most in six years, highlighting divisions within the typically consensus-driven committee. Two voted to keep rates unchanged, while Stephen Miran, appointed by Mr. Trump, favoured a half-point cut. Mr. Powell said the committee reduced borrowing costs out of concern that the job market is even weaker than it appears. AP says the lack of economic data since the government shutdown ended Nov. 13 has contributed to the divisions at the Fed.