Fomc Fiscal Policy

The U.S. employment rate has fallen, resulting in the addition of 173000 jobs, which is below expectations. This is mostly due to people searching for jobs or giving up on doing so. This, along with a jittery stock market and uneven growth, has created doubt in the U.S. economy’s ability to handle a rate increase. Inflation and economic growth also contributes to the unemployment rate in the U.S.

The discussion of whether the Federal Reserve should raise the federal funds rate is a highly contentious one. Members of the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) and academic economists disagree about what constitutes appropriate future macroeconomic policy for the Unites States. In the past, the Fed had been able to raise rates when the unemployment rate was under 5% and inflation was at a target of 2%. Enigmatically, since the Great Recession and despite a strengthening economy, year-over-year total inflation since 2008 has averaged only 1.4%—as measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (“PCE”). Today, PCE inflation is at 1-1.5% and has continuously undershot the Fed’s inflation target of 2% three years in a row. (Evan 2015) In the six years since the bottom of the Great Recession the U.S. economy has made great strides in lowering the published unemployment rate from about 10% back down to about 5.5%. In light of this data, certain individuals believe that the Federal Reserve should move to increase the federal funds rate in 2015 because unemployment is near 5% and inflation should bounce back on its own (Derby 2015). However, this recommendation is misguided.

According to staff review of the financial situation for January 28-29, there are developments in emerging market economies. The Fed will continue to support Monetary economic situations over the intermeeting period, they were critically affected by Federal Reserve correspondences, to some degree better-than-anticipated economic information discharges, and advancements in developing market economies. On net, monetary conditions in the United States stayed strong of development in economic action and work: Equity costs is wrinkled a bit, longer-term investment rates declined, and the

To begin, The Federal Reserve System opted to raise interest rates that were placed near zero years ago in order to aid the economy’s growth and prevent inflation from exceeding the target number. Several factors including: the five percent drop in the unemployment rate, and the increase in wages, and the outlook on future inflation contributed to the Federal Reserve’s decision take this action. However, the increase in interest rates in December has generated mixed results, and it appeared the Federal Reserve would announce the interest rates were going to increase again. Instead, Janet Yellen, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, announced that there were better days ahead for the economy, and a slow and careful approach to future increases in the interest rate would serve the economy best, ensuring the growth is maintained. Although the interest rates remained the same early in 2016, they are expected to increase during the June meeting of the Federal Reserve. but cited the economy needed low interest rates in order for the economy to maintain growth. I find it interesting that Yellen continues to worry about inflation growing in the coming years, although the interest rate increase should keep inflation in check through its effect of the economic markets. Yellen sites that she would like the inflation to become and stay at 2 percent each year. However, the current inflation rate is .9 percent, so the the economy is a long way from achieving its target inflation rate

Recently, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) strongly floated the idea of another interest-rate hike, with the last one being a very minor one after seven years of 0% short-term interest rates. (CITE) While the decision to raise rates may be a foregone conclusion, it is important to note the various effects such a hike will have on the economy as a whole. Everything from the housing market to debt markets to emerging markets will be affected. The ripple effect from such a decision could affect the economy for years to come. With all of these factors in mind, I believe that the Federal Reserve should raise interest rates now.

If Janet Yellen, the Federal Reserve President is planning on raising the interest rates the US Federal Reserve will have to deal with the negative effects on economic growth, unemployment, wages, the prices of goods and services, and government spending. The effect on economical growth will be how much individuals would borrow to increase their spending. Over time the money individuals took and have to payback would increase. Thus, leading to debt by how much money they owe back. By increasing the amount individuals have to borrow it will lead to more unemployment. The need of consumption will decrease and that put more and more people out of jobs. Scarcity is always going to exist but a low demand will cause supply to be low and price be

Moreover,some economists also argue that an increase in the rates now would be better than waiting until later on when the Federal Reserve will have to increase the rates eventually. Unemployment is also at a low rate, and the economy appears to be stable enough to handle an increase in the interest rates. The Federal

“The Central Bank also raised concerns about the Feds lower interest rate encouraging rising demand for junk bonds and risky real estate investments and shifts in bank balance sheets as areas of concern. Mr. Bernanke said the Fed took these concerns very seriously and noted the central bank had significantly widen its efforts to monitor financial markets as well as greater priority to financial

In this case, Fed is unlikely to tight money supply by increasing federal funds rate, which is currently zero and is a frequently debatable topic. Such policy has a positive impact on a stock market.

Over the past year we have gone through many changes politically, environmentally, and more. The main change occurring today is the Federal Reserve’s control on monetary policy which affects the interest rates and money supply all caused by the buying or selling of government bonds. The Federal Reserve needs to raise interest rates because they have “remained relatively slow by historical standards” (Binyamin Appelbaum, July 7, 2017). However, the inflation rate and rate of growth in GDP have been relatively low, restraining the Fed from raising the rates too high.

Finally, the process of normalization has begun, and seven years of zero interest rate cycle came to an end in December 2015 with a hike of 25 basis point by the Federal Open Market Committee. It was a much anticipated move for a while, and now the debate is on the roadmap of future interest rate hikes. Several economist, analyst, and media personalities have expressed a variety of opinion on both ends of the rate hike. Should the Fed continue to raise interest rates now, is the question of global consideration. In my opinion, Fed should continue to raise interest rate now to help the economy grow more independently and build up consumer confidence.

In today’s world, the more that the country needs a balanced-role government in the federal economic policies. The economy is in tight competition due to globalization. The mechanized production can deflate prices if left uncontrolled. Also uncontrolled flow of money will lead to economic crisis. Right before an inflation or deflation happen, the government should intervene and stabilize the

The willingness of the FOMC to contemplate an increase in the federal funds target despite mediocre economic data would indicate that the bar has been set fairly low. Prior to last week’s policy meeting, there were 3 potential scenarios for the Fed. Firstly, monthly non-farm payroll gains in October and November in excess of +200K would guarantee a rate hike at the December policy meeting. Secondly, monthly job gains over the aforementioned period of +150K would probably have deferred the lift-off point until March 2016. Finally, further slowing of non-farm payroll growth to +100K per month in October and November, along with other data corroborating weaker expansion, would have pushed tightening deep into 2016. The arrival of a lower tightening bar may be due to the influence and gravitas of Fed Vice Chairman Fischer who seems to be the keenest FOMC member to raise the federal funds target in 2015. Markets are, however, reluctant to completely embrace a December rate hike, because the Fed has previously backed away from policy proclamations. Thus, the credibility of the FOMC’s policy statements is now being constantly put under the surgeon’s knife. While it is abundantly clear that December is the preferred lift-off point for the federal funds rate, there are potential circumstances that could, once

In this article Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen stated that there is “no fixed timetable” for raising the U.S. interest rates. She also confirmed that rate increases will happen since strong labor market gain continue, which will push inflation above the current central back target. The current labor market has continued a growth trend and employers are adding new jobs each month. Additionally the unemployment rate has been held relatively steady. The chairman also warned that if job gains continue and unemployment drops further the inflation rate could rise, which will subsequently raise interest rates at a faster rate than planned.

On September 18, 2013 the Federal Reserve reaffirmed its view that a highly accommodative stance of monetary policy will remain appropriate for a considerable time after the asset purchase program ends and the economic recovery strengthens. In addition, the committee agreed to continue its monthly $85 billion purchase of Treasury and mortgage-backed securities as long as the unemployment rate remains above 6.5 percent. Inflation between one and two years ahead is projected to be no more than a half percentage point above the Committee's 2 percent longer-run goal and longer-term inflation expectations continue to be well anchored .