June FOMC meeting minutes: Concern about trade tensions, flattening yield curve

U.S. central bankers discussed whether recession lurked around the corner, and expressed concerns global trade tensions could hit an economy that by most measures looked strong.   In addition, gradual rate hikes could take fed funds rate above neutral level some time next year.

READ MORE

Federal Reserve maintains current interest rates in monthly meeting

Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in December indicates that the labor market has continued to strengthen and that economic activity has been rising at a solid rate. On a 12-month basis, both overall inflation and inflation for items other than food and energy have continued to run below 2 percent. In view of realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 percent.

READ MORE

Federal Reserve hikes interest rates another quarter point

Hurricane-related disruptions and rebuilding have affected economic activity, employment, and inflation in recent months but have not materially altered the outlook for the national economy. In view of realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 percent.

READ MORE