In an economy wracked by uncertainty, one thing seems virtually guaranteed: the Federal Reserve will leave its key interest rate unchanged when the central bank's policy committee meets Tuesday and Wednesday.

American families are growing sharply less optimistic about the economic outlook, but the Federal Reserve may be loathe to respond aggressively to a weakening economy in light of increasing worries that the Trump administration's trade policy will boost already elevated inflation.

The Federal Reserve will keep interest rates steady through the first half of the year, before delivering two reductions beginning in September, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg News.

The Federal Open Market Committee is expected to vote next Wednesday on whether to raise, lower or maintain interest rates at current levels amid heightened concern that a recession may be looming for the US economy.