Investors entered the latest Federal Reserve meeting with an unusual degree of uncertainty, as markets were divided over whether policymakers would raise interest rates.

The Fed ultimately left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50%-3.75% on Wednesday, keeping its policy stance steady for a sixth consecutive meeting while officials continue to navigate persistent inflation pressures.

“Inflation remains above the Committee’s 2% objective, partly reflecting supply shocks that have contributed to higher prices in some sectors, including energy,” the central bank said in its statement.

The Fed added that economic growth remains strong despite elevated uncertainty, including risks related to the conflict in the Middle East. Policymakers highlighted solid productivity gains and capital investment, while noting that employment growth has remained in line with labor force expansion and the unemployment rate has been largely stable.

Three members of the committee dissented, arguing for a 25-basis-point rate increase, while nine officials voted to maintain current policy.

Bitcoin climbed above $64,400 after the announcement, gaining more than 1% over the past 24 hours. U.S. stocks also bounced back, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq recovering from earlier losses, while gold advanced 1.2% during the session.

The decision followed one of the least predictable Fed meetings in recent years. CME FedWatch data showed traders had priced in about a 65% likelihood of no change and a 35% chance of a quarter-point hike.

The uncertainty marked a rare departure from the Fed’s usual approach of guiding markets ahead of time toward its expected policy direction.

Market attention now shifts to Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s post-meeting press conference. Warsh has criticized the central bank’s reliance on forward guidance and the quarterly “dot plot” rate projections, leaving investors watching for signs of a potential change in the Fed’s communication strategy under his leadership.