Fed Holds Rates Steady, Hints at Improved Economy

The Federal Reserve held policy rates steady in a 10-2 vote as widely expected. Both Governors Stephen Miran and Chris Waller voted for 25bp cuts as we suspected. Remember this is Stephen Miran’s last meeting with his term ending on Saturday. Chris Waller’s name continues to be mentioned in connection with the Fed Chair position, but he is now seen in a ...

With the Federal Reserve widely expected to hold interest rates steady Wednesday afternoon, all eyes are on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference and what clues he provides about when the central bank could cut rates again. Numerous signs point to not anytime soon. After making three rate cuts at the end of last year to address concerns over the job ...

Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has shown some signs of stabilization. Inflation remains somewhat elevated. The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated. The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate. In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3‑1/2 to 3‑3/4 percent. In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective. In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee's goals. The Committee's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments. Voting for the monetary policy action were Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Michael S. Barr; Michelle W. Bowman; Lisa D. Cook; Beth M. Hammack; Philip N. Jefferson; Neel Kashkari; Lorie K. Logan; and Anna Paulson. Voting against this action were Stephen I. Miran and Christopher J. Waller, who preferred to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point at this meeting. FOMC STATEMENT COMPARE pic.twitter.com/zK9gGdjOKS *FED SAYS GOVERNORS WALLER, MIRAN DISSENT IN FAVOR OF 25 BPS CUT *FED: UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS SHOWN SOME SIGNS OF STABILIZATION