On Tuesday and Wednesday this week the Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) meets to decide on the next step for the Fed to take on fighting inflation with interest rates.  I share the view of most Fed watchers that the Committee is likely to raise interest rates by 25bps.  This is a step down from the 50bps increase in December and the four 75bps increases the Fed made last year. 

Clearly signals are showing a rapid decline of the inflation rate but the Fed seems committed to a 25bps increase at this week’s meeting.  As I have written before I give Chair Powell an A for being transparent with respect to telegraphing policy moves so as not to surprise markets. The Chair and other Fed speakers have been clear in the weeks leading up to the meeting that the Fed still views inflation as too high and that they can’t take their foot off the interest rate pedal.

The focus of attention is not going to be on the 25bps increase but on the official statement the Committee releases after the meeting and the press conference the Chair has on Wednesday afternoon.

Powell is likely to continue making his central point that the Committee is data driven as to future policy. He may tip his hand as to whether or not success in the fight to curb inflation has been ...

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