The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) today confirmed that benchmark interest rates will remain stable at 5.25% to 5.50%.
US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell spoke to many after the meeting, especially given the 525 basis point increase in the policy rate since March 2022. This puts current rates in the range of 5.25% to 5.50% . Remarkably, this decision comes at a time when US inflation has consistently exceeded the central bank’s desired levels, even as the US economy continues to show strength.
Powell reinforced that theme at a press conference after the Fed meeting, stating that the Fed remains hesitant to make judgments on whether inflation is falling in a sustainable way. “We want to see compelling evidence that we have reached the right level,” indicating that emerging price stability still needs to be assessed for longevity.
The Fed chairman emphasized that curbing inflation is essential to ensure the economy remains healthy.
“We know we have to do it so that we can achieve the kind of labor market that we all want to achieve, which is an extended period of sustained period of strong labor market conditions that benefit everyone that we know the fact that we have come Let’s get to now to proceed really carefully.”
U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday after the decision. The major indices, including the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, all recorded declines.
Although the policy rate remained unchanged, the Fed signaled a potential increase later in the year and suggested the target would be above 5% until 2024. This was also followed by a rise in short-term bond yields.
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