Washington (AFP) – The Federal Reserve opened its two-day policy meeting on Tuesday as it prepares to raise borrowing rates for the first time since the pandemic began in an effort to tamp down rising inflation. Policymakers face a difficult task of trying to contain prices without stamping out economic growth as costs for housing, food and energy rise at rates not seen for 40 years and the economic fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine makes the situation worse. A Fed spokesperson confirmed the meeting began as scheduled at 1300 GMT, and markets will get the decision on Wednesday at 19…