BackFed likely to ignore Donald Trump's call to cut interest rates
Donald Trump said on Twitter on Tuesday the Fed should cut its key overnight lending rate by a full percentage pointThe US central bank may also renew the quantitative easing programme that saw it pump trillions of dollars into the economy in response to the 2007-2009 financial crisis and recession
PremiumWashington: The US Federal Reserve, leaning back against pressure from President Donald Trump to slash interest rates, is expected to leave borrowing costs unchanged on Wednesday as it maintains a 'patient' monetary policy stance amid strong economic growth.
Trump, who has accused the US central bank of undercutting his efforts to boost economic growth, said on Twitter on Tuesday the Fed should cut its key overnight lending rate by a full percentage point and renew the quantitative easing programme that saw it pump trillions of dollars into the economy in response to the 2007-2009 financial crisis and recession.
Fed officials were in the middle of their latest two-day policy meeting when Trump made his comments.
The unorthodox advice — more in line with what economists on the far left of the political spectrum might advocate — is likely to go unheeded by a central bank that views its current target interest rate as roughly where it should be to keep the growing US economy on an even keel.
The US government reported last week the economy grew at an annualized pace of 3.2% in the first three months of the year, surprising Fed officials who had expected the data to signal a slowdown.
US employers added nearly 200,000 jobs in March, evidence of continued strength in the labor market and a sign as well that the Fed's four rate hikes in 2018 had not constrained the economy.
With no clear reason to cut or raise rates at this point, the focus on Wednesday will be on whether the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee provides any new signal about its likely plans, said Cornerstone Macro analyst Roberto Perli.
"There will probably be discussions at this meeting as to what the threshold should be for bringing rates down," Perli wrote in a note on Tuesday. "But given the diversity of opinions and the lack of a clear need for an imminent decision, it seems unlikely that the (FOMC) will agree to something specific now and be able to send a clear signal."
Inflation concerns
The Fed raised rates four times last year, lifting its policy rate to a range of 2.25% to 2.50%. After its last rate hike in December, the Fed faced particularly sharp criticism from Trump.
Some central bank policymakers have cited ongoing weak inflation, still well below the Fed's 2% target, as a sign rates may be too high.
One technical change officials may make is to trim the amount of interest paid to banks on excess reserves held on deposit at the Fed to 2.35% from 2.40%. The aim would be to keep the targeted federal funds rate from moving above its current range.
The federal funds rate, which banks charge each other for overnight loans, rose to near the upper level of that range this week, as banks competed more aggressively to meet their reserve demands.
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
