• Markets
• Economy
• Federal Reserve
• Housing
• Energy
• Digital Media

FOMC: 75 BPs

Quick hits:

FOMC Statement
http://federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/monetary/20080318a.htm

Very different statement than previous ones; the Money quotes are underlined:

Recent information indicates that the outlook for economic activity has weakened further. Growth in consumer spending has slowed and labor markets have softened.  Financial markets remain under considerable stress, and the tightening of credit conditions and the deepening of the housing contraction are likely to weigh on economic growth over the next few quarters.

Inflation has been elevated, and some indicators of inflation expectations have risen.  The Committee expects inflation to moderate in coming quarters, reflecting a projected leveling-out of energy and other commodity prices and an easing of pressures on resource utilization.  Still, uncertainty about the inflation outlook has increased.  It will be necessary to continue to monitor inflation developments carefully.

Dissenting:  Richard W. Fisher and Charles I. Plosser, who preferred less aggressive action at this meeting.

My quote: "If this doesn't bring down mortgage rates, I cannot fathom what else will."

>

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 | 02:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (54) | TrackBack (0)
add to de.li.cious | digg this! | add to technorati | email this post

Comments

Rather grim statement from the Fed, too.

Interesting that Plosser and Fischer were not on board and wanted something less. Guess killing the dollar ain't all its cracked up to be.

Posted by: Mr. Obvious | Mar 18, 2008 2:23:09 PM