Fed leaves rates unchanged, expects to keep hiking them gradually

The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at its November meeting, as expected.  It released a statement acknowledging the robustness of consumer spending and the recent slowdown in business investment.  Traders are almost certain the next interest-rate hike is coming in December — a move that would almost immediately lift Americans' borrowing costs for credit cards and other short-term loans.  Thursday's statement was the last for the foreseeable future that wasn't...