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What kind of signal does FOMC unanimity send to markets and others watching the economy?

Aug 16, 2023
Dissent on interest rate decisions might send mixed messages to Wall Street about where the economy is headed.
Under Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the FOMC has not had a single dissenting vote on interest rates since June of last year, which former FOMC member Tom Hoenig wasn't surprised by.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Watch prices and credit ahead of next rate decision, Chicago Fed CEO says

Apr 19, 2023
The intensity of a coming economic slowdown will depend on how much banks tighten credit conditions, says Austan Goolsbee.
Austan Goolsbee jokes that his informal speaking style makes the Fed's media staff sweat. "Every time I stand up, they’re like, 'Oh, no.'”
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

What to look for in the Fed's latest meeting minutes

Apr 12, 2023
Fed watchers pore over the document in minute detail in search of clues about future rate hikes.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee meeting.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Can the Fed lower inflation without getting the economy into a recession?

"A look at the record shows that the Fed often stumbles in its efforts to save the day," says Ben White, chief economic correspondent at Politico.
Recessions have followed many of the Federal Reserve's past interest rate hikes.
Samuel Corum/Getty Images

Fed sees faster time frame for rate hikes as inflation rises

Jun 16, 2021
The central bank raised its inflation forecast to 3.4% by year-end and expects to hike its benchmark interest rate twice by late 2023.
Alex Wong/Getty Image

Dallas Fed president on the mood in the Fed’s Zoom room

Dec 18, 2020
“This downturn has not felt like a normal downturn for the whole economy because of fiscal relief,” says Robert Kaplan.
 Robert Kaplan, president and CEO of the Dallas Federal Reserve.
Courtesy of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Fed Chair Powell says full economic recovery depends on managing COVID-19

Social distancing and wearing masks will help get the economy back to full strength, Powell said Thursday.
Drew Angerer/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

The Fed meets again this week. It's likely to keep interest rates low for a while.

Nov 2, 2020
What do ongoing low interest rates mean for consumer saving and spending, and businesses seeking help with debt?
With bank accounts paying next to nothing in interest, some people are starting to spend their money.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

If the Fed's nominees were confirmed, could they change monetary policy?

Jul 28, 2020
The central bank's board of governors is designed with checks and balances, so one member's influence would be limited.
Judy Shelton, left, and Christopher Waller testify during a hearing on their nominations to the Federal Reserve board of governors in February.
Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

Powell to give Congress another economic assessment

Jun 17, 2020
By some measures, the economy is headed up. But that's coming from a deep trough, and the Fed chair is warning that there are risks ahead.
Consumer spending, manufacturing and business investment are still far below pre-pandemic levels.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images