___ Fed lifts rate by quarter-point but says inflation is easing WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve extended its fight against high inflation by raising its key interest rate a quarter-point, its eighth hike since March. And the Fed signaled that even though inflation is easing, it remains high enough to require further rate hikes. At the same time, Chair Jerome Powell said at a news conference that the Fed recognizes that the pace of inflation has cooled — a signal that it could be nearing the end of its rate increases. The stock and bond markets rallied during his news conference, suggesting that they anticipate a forthcoming pause in the Fed’s credit tightening. ___ Stocks hit summer highs as Fed sees progress on inflation NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street rose to its best level since the summer following the latest hike to interest rates by the Federal Reserve, which said it’s finally seeing improvements in inflation. The S&P 500 rallied back from an early 1% loss Wednesday to rise 1%. As expected, the Fed raised its benchmark rate by a quarter of a percentage point to its highest level since late 2007. It’s the smallest increase in […]