The Central Bank’s benchmark interest rate was raised 25 basis points from 2.25 to 2.5 percent. It’s also the ninth increase since the Federal Reserve (Fed) began raising rates from near-zero back in 2015.
Key highlights from yesterday’s FOMC meeting:
The Federal Reserve (Fed) take the target range for its benchmark funds rate to 2.25 percent to 2.5 percent. Central bank officials now forecast two hikes next year, down from three rate raises previously projected. However, the Federal Reserve (Fed) continues to include in its statement that further “gradual” rate hikes would be appropriate. GDP is now seen as rising 3 percent for the full year of 2018, down one-tenth of a percentage point from September, and 2.3 percent for 2019, a 0.2 percent point reduction. FOMC pointed out to three more
