Central banks left interest rates on hold last week though inflation concerns exposed divisions among policymakers. The US Federal Reserve maintained rates at 3.5%-3.75%, though three of the 12-member committee opted for a 25-basis-point hike. The Bank of England also kept rates on hold at 3.75%, with three of the nine members voting for a 25bp hike. Additionally, the Bank of Japan held rates steady, at 1%, in an 8-1 vote. Elsewhere, tech-heavy stock markets such as the US Nasdaq and South Korea’s Kospi endured volatility amid concerns over artificial intelligence spending which was offset by strong earnings reports from US tech firms.  [...]