Fed Seen Making Dovish Hike With 2019 Pause: Decision Day Guide
- Dot plot may downgrade 2019 outlook to two hikes from three
- Statement may reflect more mixed outlook for the economy
This article is for subscribers only.
U.S. central bankers meeting in Washington are expected to raise interest rates a fourth time this year, brushing aside pressure from President Donald Trump, while signaling a slower approach to their gradual rate hike campaign in 2019.
The Federal Open Market Committee is widely expected to raise the benchmark target for rates by a quarter point to 2.25 percent to 2.5 percent, the highest in a decade, at the conclusion of its two-day meeting on Wednesday. Its policy statement at 2 p.m. might alter or drop a commitment to further gradual hikes, while officials may tamp down their economic forecasts in light of tighter financial conditions.