The minutes of the meeting in which the FED made its interest rate decision in January were finally made available to the public.
Here are the highlights from the minutes in question:
- Several policymakers have pointed to downside risks from maintaining an overly restrictive stance for too long.
- FED officials assessed that the policy rate is likely at its peak for this cycle.
- Many Fed policymakers have noted the risks of easing too quickly and emphasized the importance of incoming data to decide whether inflation is sustainably moving toward 2%.
- Some officials have stated that progress in inflation may stall.
- Policymakers have generally said they do not see it appropriate to cut interest rates until they gain greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably towards 2%.
- Although risks to achieving bilateral targets are better balanced, officials said they remain extremely wary of inflation risks.
- Many policymakers emphasized the importance of clear communication about the data-driven approach.
- The FED's economic outlook was slightly stronger than its December projection.
- Officials underlined the uncertainty about how long the restrictive policy stance will last.
- Many officials, drawing attention to the decrease in the use of overnight reverse repo, said that it would be appropriate to start in-depth balance sheet discussions at the next meeting.
- FED staff thinks the risks to economic forecasts are to the downside.
- Officials have given some weight to the possibility that further progress in reducing inflation may take longer than expected.
*This is not investment advice.
