Federal Reserve Signals Possible Pause in Interest Rate Hikes Amid Cooling Economy

InflationMoney Matters
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell has indicated that the central bank may not raise interest rates further if the economy and inflation continue to cool as expected. Powell's comments suggest that the Fed could leave interest rates unchanged at its upcoming meeting in December. While investors have been anticipating potential rate cuts, Powell emphasized the Fed's commitment to bringing inflation down to its 2 percent target and stated that they are prepared to tighten policy further if necessary.

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Fed Finds Comfort in Cooler Job Growth and Wage Increases
Fed Finds Comfort in Cooler Job Growth and Wage Increases

On Friday, Federal Reserve officials breathed a sigh of relief as April’s job data revealed a cooling in wage growth and hiring rates that hark back to pre-COVID-19 days.

Federal Reserve Signals Possible Pause in Interest Rate Hikes Amid Cooling Economy
Federal Reserve Signals Possible Pause in Interest Rate Hikes Amid Cooling Economy

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell has indicated that the central bank may not raise interest rates further if the economy and inflation continue to cool as expected.

Federal Reserve Set to Raise Interest Rates to 22-Year High Following June Pause
Federal Reserve Set to Raise Interest Rates to 22-Year High Following June Pause

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates by a quarter-percentage point, resuming its efforts to combat inflation after a brief pause in June.

Federal Reserve Signals Mild Recession and More Interest Rate Hikes
Federal Reserve Signals Mild Recession and More Interest Rate Hikes

The minutes from the Federal Reserve's June meeting indicate that a mild recession is expected, accompanied by further interest rate hikes to combat inflation.

Federal Reserve Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged, Temporarily Halting Rate-Hiking Strategy
Federal Reserve Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged, Temporarily Halting Rate-Hiking Strategy

The Federal Reserve announced a pause in its rate-hiking campaign, acknowledging the need to wait for the effects to permeate the economy but indicating that more rate hikes are likely this year.

Federal Reserve's Closely Tracked Inflation Measure Rises in April
Federal Reserve's Closely Tracked Inflation Measure Rises in April

A key measure of US prices, closely monitored by the Federal Reserve, showed an increase in April, indicating persistent inflationary pressures in the economy.

American household debt hits a 15-year high of $17 trillion
American household debt hits a 15-year high of $17 trillion

Spiraling towards levels only seen during the 2008 financial crisis, US household debt has increased by $320 billion in the last 3 months of 2022.

The Federal Reserve raised the interest rates by a quarter point this week
The Federal Reserve raised the interest rates by a quarter point this week

What does this mean for you?

The Federal Reserve is likely to see rising employment costs as the go-ahead for another interest rate increase
The Federal Reserve is likely to see rising employment costs as the go-ahead for another interest rate increase

According to the U.S. Labor Department, the employment cost index grew by 1.2% from July through September.

The Fed promises more rate hikes despite easing inflationary woes
The Fed promises more rate hikes despite easing inflationary woes

Cozied up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming this week, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell shared a message with others at its Annual Economic Symposium: interest rates will continue to rise.

The Fed blames the supply chain for historic U.S. inflation
The Fed blames the supply chain for historic U.S. inflation

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has compiled a data analysis that has placed much of the inflation blame squarely on the supply chain.

The Federal Reserve seems unsure about possibility of a recession
The Federal Reserve seems unsure about possibility of a recession

The strong economy benefits from raising wages and consumers continuing to spend. In a way, this inflationary period is testing the limits.

Main Street anticipating more Federal Reserve hikes
Main Street anticipating more Federal Reserve hikes

Higher interest rates mean consumers will pay more to borrow money from institutions.

Jennifer Joslyn
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