The case for a U.S. interest rate cut remains unresolved as Federal Reserve officials head into their policy meeting later this month, with data showing fresh signs of higher inflation and President Donald Trump intensifying his demands for lower borrowing costs.

On Friday the president repeated his criticism of Powell and said the Fed's policy rate should be 1 per cent, a low level typically used by the Fed to boost a weak economy not, as the Fed is currently attempting to do, temper inflation with tight monetary policy.

STORY: U.S. President Donald Trump said this week that the Federal Reserve should set its benchmark interest rate at 1% to lower government borrowing costs, allowing the administration to finance the high and rising deficits expected from his spending and tax-cut bill.