Federal Reserve cautious of raising interest rates against backdrop of economic growth February 18, 2015 The Federal Reserve’s policy committee reaffirmed its cautious approach to raising interest rates after voting in unison against the measure in January. Minutes from the January meeting reveal that the majority of the committee were wary of hiking rates too soon and hampering growth in the US economy. However, the group was less unified [...]
Federal Reserve remains “patient” and holds rates in wake of strong growth January 28, 2015 The Federal Reserve has held interest rates at 0.25 per cent and reiterated that it would remain "patient" when considering a rate hike. The decision was unanimous. It is now unlikely the Fed will raise rates before the middle of the year. The US central bank pointed to strong growth in the economy and upbeat [...]
Federal Reserve upbeat on growth prospects thanks to collapse in price of oil January 7, 2015 Falling oil prices should give another boost to the economy, officials at the Federal Reserve said yesterday, despite the damage being caused to US oil and gas producers. Minutes from the Federal Open Markets Committee’s latest meeting show the policymakers believe the net effect will be positive. The price is falling both because of strong supply [...]
Federal Reserve policy statement: Interest rate hike is getting closer December 17, 2014 The Federal Reserve's policy statement shows it's inching closer to an interest rate hike. Here are some of the key takes. "Considerable time" is gone The Fed has dropped its "considerable time" approach to interest rates rises instead favouring "patience" in normalising policy. "Considerable time" was widely believed to mean six months so many commentators [...]
Fed to raise interest rates before Bank of England November 19, 2014 US INTEREST rates are expected to rise before those in the UK, as the Federal Reserve last night indicated it will not slow down its path to tighter money despite wobbles in the world economy. Mark Carney has indicated the Bank of England will keep rates lower for longer as wages are not yet rising [...]
What the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s October meeting tell us November 19, 2014 The minutes from the Federal Reserve's October 28 – 29 meeting showed little debate between its members on the key aspects of last month's statement. Last month, the Fed stuck to its pledge to keep interest rates near zero for a "considerable time" but gave little indication as to when interest rates would raise. [...]
Markets keep their cool as Federal Reserve ends quantitative easing October 29, 2014 The Federal Reserve has announced the end of its monthly $15bn bond-buying programme, adding that its intention is to maintain low interest rates for "considerable time". The Fed was more bullish on the state of the US labour market, and all its members with the exception of one voted to draw quantitative easing (QE) to [...]
Is the world ready for the end of quantitative easing? Global markets rise on great Fed expectations October 29, 2014 What a difference a year makes. This time in 2013, markets across the world were thrown into turmoil as rumours abounded that the US Fed would begin tapering its quantitative easing programme. Fast forward 12 months, and the same markets have remained cheerful, even as the US' rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee prepares to make [...]
US Fed stimulus hint sees markets go topsy-turvy October 16, 2014 INVESTORS throughout the world endured another rollercoaster ride yesterday, as the price of assets was jolted around amid volatile trading. The FTSE 100 initially jumped out of bed, gaining 70 points at the open. Yet the previous day’s hangover soon kicked in and the blue chip index slumped to 6,072 points – its lowest level [...]
FTSE 100 recovers on Fed hopes of continuing stimulus scheme – London Report October 16, 2014 Britain’s top equity index yesterday cut most of its daily losses to close almost flat as a Federal Reserve official hinted at a continuation of the central bank’s asset purchase programme. The FTSE 100 closed down just 0.3 per cent at 6,195.91 points after hitting its lowest level since June 2013 at 6,072 points earlier [...]