Fed Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged, Signals Two Hikes This Year

[Purveyor]

Source: Reuters

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged on Wednesday but signaled it still plans two rate increases this year, saying it expects the U.S. job market to strengthen after a recent slowdown.

The U.S. central bank, however, lowered its economic growth forecasts for 2016 and 2017 and indicated it would be less aggressive in tightening monetary policy after the end of this year.

Fed policymakers gave no indication of when they might raise rates, though their projections leave the door open to an increase next month.

"The pace of improvement in the labor market has slowed," the Fed said in a statement. It added, however, that "economic activity will expand at a moderate pace and labor market indicators will strengthen" even with gradual rate increases.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-fed-idUSKCN0Z10DI

[RussBLib]

1. ok markets, now ZOOM!

We are about to retire and the last 4 days have been murder!

[jtuck004]

2. Perfect. The first one in September-Oct, ought to be just enough to help

cause a little slowdown, and boost the real estate swindler. If gas prices don't go up first.

We can't keep this top spinning forever with no new energy, and so far it is just a balancing act to see whose watch it is going to topple on.

[Yavin4]

3. Great news for the Dems.

The economy should be strong in time for election day. The effects of the two rate hikes won't be felt until well after the election.