The Federal Open Market Committee "decided today to keep its target for the federal funds rate at 2 percent." The Fed statement says, "Tight credit conditions, the ongoing housing contraction, and elevated energy prices are likely to weigh on economic growth over the next few quarters. Over time, the substantial easing of monetary policy, combined with ongoing measures to foster market liquidity, should help to promote moderate economic growth.... Although downside risks to growth remain, the upside risks to inflation are also of significant concern to the Committee."