Outside of a U.S. President bending norms, the Fed also faces challenges in achieving its economic objectives. Inflation remains above its 2% target: Its preferred measure is at 2.4%, though core prices — considered a better gauge of where inflation is headed — rose 2.8% in November from a year ago.

The Federal Reserve’s decision on Wednesday to keep its overnight bank lending rate where it is — following a full percentage point cut last year — means you still have an opportunity to enjoy solid,