Consumer spending in the U.S. was up 1.5%, from 1.0%, with GDP income rising to 1.8% in the Q1. The second-quarter growth figure fell short of the 2.1% median forecast among economists surveyed by Reuters. In their postmeeting statement, policymakers said "economic activity is expanding at a solid pace despite elevated uncertainty that owes, in part, to the conflict in the Middle East." Officials also said job growth has "kept pace with the workforce and the unemployment rate has changed little." The language indicated that the central bank still views labor-market conditions as relatively stable, even as slower-than-expected GDP growth and persistent inflation complicate the policy outlook.