The Fed failed to take action and liquidity concerns appear to have pushed up the mortgage rates today. Rates increased about 1/8% this afternoon after the announcement compared to what was available this morning. They’re trying to balance the need to stimulate the economy with the side-effects of higher inflation. With all the problems in housing and finance we need a Fed that actually does something instead of sitting on the sidelines. Yes, they did add about $70 billion to the banking sector but apparently that wasn’t enough!
The Federal Open Market Committee decided today to keep its target for the federal funds rate at 2 percent.
Strains in financial markets have increased significantly and labor markets have weakened further. Economic growth appears to have slowed recently, partly reflecting a softening of household spending. Tight credit conditions, the ongoing housing contraction, and some slowing in export growth are likely to weigh on economic growth over the next few quarters. Over time, the substantial easing of monetary policy, combined with ongoing measures to foster market liquidity, should help to promote moderate economic growth.
Inflation has been high, spurred by the earlier increases in the prices of energy and some other commodities. The Committee expects inflation to moderate later this year and next year, but the inflation outlook remains highly uncertain.
The downside risks to growth and the upside risks to inflation are both of significant concern to the Committee. The Committee will monitor economic and financial developments carefully and will act as needed to promote sustainable economic growth and price stability.
Source: Federal Reserve
