Fed not in ‘Hurry’ to Change Rates Amid Global Risks – Rates are currently “appropriate,” Powell said in a wide-ranging interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes news show in which he called the current rate level “appropriate” and “roughly neutral,” meaning it is neither stimulating or curbing the economy.
Global Economic Outlook
Fed’s $4 Trillion Balance Sheet in Focus Ahead of Minutes From January Meeting
The U.S. dollar held onto gains against its global peers Wednesday ahead of Minutes from the Federal Reserve that are expected to confirm the bank’s recent signals on slower rate hikes and a more patient approach to monetary policy in the face of uncertain economic growth at home and notable weakening around the world.
Fed’s Williams Says New Economic Outlook Necessary For Rate Hikes
New York Fed President John Williams on Tuesday said he was comfortable with the level U.S. interest rates are at now, and sees no need to raise them again unless growth or inflation shift to an unexpectedly higher gear.
Draghi’s Long Farewell May Delay ECB Guidance move
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – Some European Central Bank policymakers are reluctant to alter their guidance on interest rates as a move could tie the hands of the bank’s next president many months before an appointment is even made, four sources close to the matter said.
Wall Street’s view on Trump’s talk of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell: ‘Utter madness’
President D. Trump’s growing dissatisfaction with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell could be veering into dangerous territory. With the Fed embarked on a campaign to tighten monetary policy, the president has repeatedly attacked Powell, reportedly fearful that a volatile market – and the attendant possibility of an economic downturn – could endanger his reelection prospects.
Gold Steadies Near One Week High; All eyes on Fed
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) Spot gold was up 0.26 percent at $1,249.11 per ounce at 1:50 p.m., having earlier touched its highest level since Dec. 10 at $1,250.27, just short of a five-month peak of $1,250.55 hit last week.
Fed is Expected to Raise Interest Rates Wednesday
The Fed is expected to raise interest rates Wednesday by a quarter point, and the pressure is on for Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to sound dovish — but not too dovish. Fed officials are also expected to revisit their fed funds rate forecasts and roll back some of the rate hikes expected in the next several years.