Fed Hikes 75 Bps Again to 2.25-2.50%
The Federal Reserve Board again hiked short-term interest rates by 75 basis points, raising its Fed funds target rate to a range of 2.25-2.50%. The FOMC statement tells us, "Recent indicators of spending and production have softened. Nonetheless, job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remains elevated, reflecting supply and demand imbalances related to the pandemic, higher food and energy prices, and broader price pressures.... The Committee is highly attentive to inflation risks." Money market fund yields should jump again in coming days as the new higher rate levels are passed through to funds. Our Crane 100 Money Fund Index, currently at 1.36%, should jump over the 1.5% level next week and should approach the 2.0% level as we approach the end of the summer. The Fed's release explains, "The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. In support of these goals, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 percent and anticipates that ongoing increases in the target range will be appropriate. In addition, the Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities, as described in the Plans for Reducing the Size of the Federal Reserve's Balance Sheet that were issued in May. The Committee is strongly committed to returning inflation to its 2 percent objective." It adds, "In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee's goals. The Committee's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on public health, labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments."
