HomeWHENWhen Will The Federal Reserve Meet Again

When Will The Federal Reserve Meet Again

With the first meeting of the new year on the horizon, attention is still focused on the Federal Reserve as it tries to temper economic growth without tipping the U.S. into a recession.

Yet after raising its key interest rate for nearly two years to tamp down growth and rising prices, the Fed this year is expected to reduce the rate to bring it more in line with slowing inflation. Some economists predict four to five quarter-point rate cuts in 2024, while others forecast just two.

During the last Fed meeting of 2023, the key interest rate was left unchanged for the third straight meeting.

The pause followed aggressive rate hikes dating back to March 2022, a period in which the central bank raised rates 11 times to a 22-year rate high of 5.25% to 5.5%. The goal was to make borrowing more expensive to cool down the economy and surging inflation.

Despite the increased cost, the economy has stayed resilient and could dodge a long-feared recession.

Learn more: Best current CD rates

Refer to more articles:  When Is Pooh Getting Out Of Jail

Looking ahead, this is when the Federal Reserve plans to meet in 2024.

Fed meeting live updates:Will interest rates hold steady as inflation eases?

Federal Reserve 2024 Meeting Schedule

  • Jan. 30-31
  • March 19-20
  • April 30- May 1
  • June 11-12
  • July 30-31
  • Sept. 17-18
  • Nov. 6-7
  • Dec. 17-18

When is the next Fed meeting?

The next Federal Reserve meeting will be held from Jan. 30 through 31.

Why does the Fed raise interest rates?

The Fed is the nation’s central bank, leaving it in charge of monetary policy. This means the Fed sets interest rates and controls the money supply.

Its dual mandate is to promote “maximum employment and stable prices in the U.S. economy.” Stable prices mean the Fed tries to keep inflation in check, with its long-term annual target at 2%.

To control inflation, one of the Fed’s main tools is the federal funds rate, which is the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. If that rate rises, banks generally pass on their additional cost.

Even though the Fed does not directly control all interest rates in the country, when it raises the fed funds rate, other interest rates eventually follow, including adjustable-rate mortgages, credit cards, home equity lines of credit, and other loans.

Looking ahead:Fed expected to stand pat on interest rates but forecast just two cuts in 2024

What is inflation?

Inflation is a generalized rise in prices, affecting different goods and services throughout the economy, such as gas, rent and food.

Refer to more articles:  When Will The United States Fall

It can be caused by several factors, such as more people spending money on goods or services that are not readily available to meet that demand. That allows producers and service providers to raise prices without worrying about a significant loss in sales.

Inflation also could be caused by a shortage of supply. If there are not enough goods to meet the demand for a good or service, this could lead to an increase in a manufacturer’s or retailer’s wholesale costs, which, in turn, would be passed along to consumers through higher retail prices.

Just Curious for more? We’ve got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From “What is inflation?” to “What is a recession?” to “How to enroll in Zelle?” – we’re striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular

Recent Comments