Category: FOMC

Fed Raises Interest Rates for First Time Since 2018 to Fight Inflation

For the first time since 2018, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, increasing the target range for the rate to 0.25–0.5 percent. The Fed completed its two-day Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy meeting on March 16, described by analysts as an important turning point for monetary policy. Fed…


Fed Raises Interest Rates for the First Time Since 2018 to Fight Inflation

For the first time since 2018, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, increasing the target rate to the 0.25–0.5 percent range. The Fed completed its two-day Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy meeting on Wednesday, described by analysts as an important turning point for monetary policy. Fed officials project…


Markets to the Fed: The Truce Is Over!

Commentary It was nice while it lasted. For months throughout 2021, the Fed wrestled with a brewing inflation storm—first trying to downplay it by calling it transitory, hen little by little changing their tune, talking about the possibility of tapering their quantitative easing (QE) program, and occasionally suggesting that higher rates might be in order….


The Heavyweight Battle Royale 14 Years in the Making

Commentary Ladieeeeeeeees and gentlemen … Welcome to the throwdown match for the heavyweight championship of the U.S. economy. In the blue corner, the undisputed heavyweight champion of deficit spending. For over 50 years they have been victorious, dominating all fiscal conservative challengers. Racking up major victories over the gold standard and amassing a record of…


Ahead of FOMC Meeting, Experts Debate If Federal Reserve Can Cure Inflation

News Analysis The Federal Reserve will complete its two-day December monetary policy meeting on Wednesday, and market analysts are describing it as the most important meeting of the year. According to the latest CNBC Fed Survey results, economists, strategists, and money managers anticipate the central bank will stop its asset acquisitions by March and begin…


Markets Expected to Sustain Record Rally Despite Fed Tapering

New Analysis The Federal Reserve finished its much-anticipated two-day November Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy meeting Wednesday. The results were everything financial markets had anticipated, market strategists said. Later this month, the central bank confirmed, the Fed will begin tapering its $120-billion-a-month asset-buying program, with plans to wind down the pandemic-era quantitative easing program by…


Fed Holds Interest Rates Near Zero, Boosts Economic Projections

WASHINGTON—The Federal Reserve announced on March 17 that it would keep U.S. interest rates near zero as the pandemic continues to pose “considerable risks” to the economy. The central bank, however, made a significant upgrade to its forecasts to reflect the acceleration of economic recovery after the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package. “Following a moderation in the pace…


Fed Sets Cautious Tone as Economic Momentum Slows

WASHINGTON—The Federal Reserve warned on Jan. 27 that the U.S. economy is a long way from recovery as the resurgence in COVID-19 has weighed on economic activity and the labor market. After the conclusion of the central bank’s two-day policy meeting, Fed officials announced that they would hold the target range for the federal funds rate at zero to…