Sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have improved in recent months 

The Federal Reserve decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate at zero and 0.25 per cent after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its two-day meeting yesterday.

This target range is expected to be maintained until labour market conditions have reached levels consistent with the Committee’s assessments. With progress on vaccinations and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have continued to strengthen, supporting that the benchmark rates be maintained.

The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have improved in recent months, but the summer’s rise in COVID-19 cases has slowed their recovery. Inflation is elevated, largely reflecting factors that are expected to be transitory.

Supply and demand imbalances related to the pandemic and the reopening of the economy have contributed to sizable price increases in some sectors. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to US households and businesses.

Reduce the effects of the public health crisis on the economy

The Federal Reserve cites, “the path of the economy will depend on the course of the virus. Progress on vaccinations will likely continue to reduce the effects of the public health crisis on the economy but risks to the economic outlook remain”.

The FOMC Committee’s long-term aim is to maintain maximum employment and inflation at two per cent, and it aims to keep monetary policy accommodative until these goals are reached.

Furthermore, the Federal Reserve intends to increase its holdings of Treasury securities by at least US$70 billion this month and agency mortgage-backed securities by at least US$35 billion per month.

The FOMC reported that, “beginning in December, the Committee will increase its holdings of Treasury securities by at least US$60 billion per month and of agency mortgage-backed securities by at least US$30 billion per month”.

The Committee judges that “similar reductions in the pace of net asset purchases will likely be appropriate each month, but it is prepared to adjust the pace of purchases if warranted by changes in the economic outlook. The Federal Reserve’s ongoing purchases and holdings of securities will continue to foster smooth market functioning and accommodative financial conditions, thereby supporting the flow of credit to households and businesses until significant additional progress is made toward the Committee’s maximum employment and price stability goals”.

Furthermore, these asset purchases promote smooth market functioning and accommodative financial conditions, thus facilitating the flow of credit to households and businesses. The FOMC will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook and is prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee’s goals.