Federal Reserve
Putting Today’s FOMC Statement into Plain English
January 27, 2010 by James K Barath, CMPS · Leave a Comment
The Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate within its target range of 0.000-0.250 percent.
In its press release, the FOMC noted that the U.S. economy “has continued to strengthen”, that the jobs markets is getting better, and that financial markets are supportive of growth.
There was no mention of the housing market’s strength. The last 3 statements from the Fed included that specific verbiage.
It’s the fifth straight statement in which the Fed spoke about the economy with optimism. This should signal to markets that 2008-2009 recession is over and that economic growth is returning to U.S. economy even if it has not reached Northwest Indiana yet.
The economy isn’t without threats, however, and the Fed identified several in its press release, including:
- Credit remains tight for consumers
- Businesses are reluctant to hire new workers
- Housing wealth is down
The message’s overall tone, however, remained positive and inflation appears is still within tolerance.
Also in its statement, the Fed confirmed its plan to hold the Fed Funds Rate near zero percent “for an extended period” and to wind down its $1.25 trillion commitment to the mortgage market by March 31, 2010. This is noteworthy because Fed insiders estimate that the bond-buying program suppressed mortgage rates by 1 percent through 2009.
Mortgage market reaction to the Fed press release is, in general, negative. Mortgage rates are rising this afternoon for home loan shoppers throughout Northwest Indiana.
The FOMC’s next scheduled meeting is March 16, 2010.
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About the Author: James K Barath is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, qualified liability advisor and your FHA Home Loan Expert. He is also a graduate of Purdue University, The CMPS Institute, Dale Carnegie Human Relations Course & Napoleon Hill Foundation's PMA Science of Success Class. It's your home and your future. It's his profession and his passion. He is ready to work for your best interest. Contact James Barath today for your Borrow Smart Analysis - the CALM Approach to Borrowing ! His Motto: I Facilitate the American Dream Through Responsible Mortgage Lending and Financial Literacy! 