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FOMC's updated economic projections point to 3 rate hikes in 2019

Below are the key takeaways, via Reuters, from the FOMC's updated economic projections from the September 25-26 meeting.

  • Fed still sees one more rate increase this year and three more in 2019.
  • The Fed's latest projections show the economy continuing at a steady pace through 2019, with gross domestic product growth seen at 2.5 percent next year before it slows to 2.0 percent in 2020 and to 1.8 percent in 2021, as the impact of the recent tax cuts and government spending fade.
  • Inflation was forecast to hover near 2 percent over the next three years, while the unemployment rate is expected to fall to 3.5 percent next year and remain there through 2020 before rising slightly in 2021.
    • The jobless rate is currently 3.9 percent.

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About the FOMC statement 

Following the Fed's rate decision, the FOMC releases its statement regarding monetary policy. The statement may influence the volatility of USD and determine a short-term positive or negative trend. A hawkish view is considered as positive, or bullish for the USD, whereas a dovish view is considered as negative, or bearish.

About FOMC economic projections 

This report, released by Federal Reserve, includes the FOMC's projection for inflation and economic growth over the next 2 years and, more importantly, a breakdown of individual FOMC member's interest rate forecasts.

Author

Eren Sengezer

As an economist at heart, Eren Sengezer specializes in the assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of macroeconomic data, central bank policies and political developments on financial assets.

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