The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday resumed a two-day policy meeting and is widely expected to announce its fourth interest rate hike of 2018.

Policymakers gathered in the midst of an extraordinary blitz of criticism from the White House as President Donald Trump demands a halt to the current tightening cycle.

In a Nov. 29, 2018, file photo, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell addresses the Federal Reserve Board's 15th annual College Fed Challenge Finals in Washington. The Federal Reserve is poised Wednesday, Dec. 19, to raise its key interest rate for the fourth time this year. But beyond that, its plans are shrouded in uncertainty. (Photo: AP)