The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that hopes for interest-rate cuts this year by the U.S. Federal Reserve are steadily fading, with a stream of recent remarks by Fed officials underscoring their intention to keep U.S. borrowing costs high as long as needed to curb persistently elevated inflation. An Associated Press dispatch to The Globe says that although Fed officials expect that inflation in these areas will eventually decrease, they have indicated their willingness to wait for as long as necessary. While most indicators suggest that growth and hiring remain strong, some aspects of the economy are starting to show signs of weakness. More Americans, particularly younger adults, are falling behind on their credit-card bills, for example, with the share of card debt 90 days or more overdue reaching 10.7 per cent in the first quarter. That is the highest proportion in 14 years, according to Fed data. Hiring is also slowing, and more companies, including Target, McDonald's and Burger King, are highlighting price cuts or cheaper deals to try to attract financially squeezed consumers. Their actions could help lower inflation, but they also underscore the struggles lower-income Americans face.