IFM Correspondent

November 3, 2016: The Federal Reserve on November 2 hinted at hiking interest rates in December. For now, officials voted to keep rates unchanged following a meeting in Washington. They emphasised that the pace of rate hikes will depend on evolution of the economy.

“The committee judges that the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has continued to strengthen, but decided, for the time being, to wait for some further evidence of continued progress toward its objectives,” the Federal Reserve stated.

Volatility in the financial market due to uncertainty surrounding the result of US presidential election is the reason behind the Reserve’s decision not to hike interest rates immediately. US stocks and the dollar have taken a hit because of this very reason.

The US economy continues to grow in terms of employment as well as overall economic growth. Inflation finally appears to be picking up, although it remains below the Fed’s target of 2%. The Fed stated that it will need more evidence to substantiate that employment and inflation are on track according to the central bank’s goals before proposing a hike in interest rates.

The performance of the economy is creating confidence that it will be able to withstand increase in interest rates. The Fed plans to raise interest rates gradually.

A majority of investors expect the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates in the near future.

The post US Fed hints at rate hike appeared first on International Finance.