The Federal Reserve is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest-rate target unchanged at 3.75%–4.00% on October 28, The Wall Street Journal reported in its week-ahead preview. A pause would give policymakers more time to assess the economy after September’s increase.
The Fed raised rates by a quarter of a percentage point on September 16 in a unanimous vote. Its statement described solid economic expansion, resilient domestic spending and robust capital investment, while warning that inflation remained elevated.
Recent economic data and comments from Fed officials suggest no urgency to raise rates again immediately, the Journal said. However, its preview still points to increases in the coming months, distinguishing a slower pace of tightening from an end to the cycle.
A separate Reuters poll, conducted October 16–20, found 94 of 100 economists expected an October hold, while all 100 anticipated an increase in December. As we previously reported, fewer than half had forecast a December hike in the preceding survey.
The Federal Open Market Committee meets October 27–28, followed by December 8–9, according to its official calendar. The expected October hold remains a forecast, with the actual decision and any subsequent increase dependent on policymakers’ assessment of incoming information.
