Fed holds steady at 2%

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 2%, rebuffing some talk of another interest rate cut in light of the recent meltdown of Lehman and AIG. This was the first time in a year the vote by the FOMC was unanimous.

Here’s the statement:

The Federal Open Market Committee decided today to keep its target for the federal funds rate at 2 percent.

Strains in financial markets have increased significantly and labor markets have weakened further. Economic growth appears to have slowed recently, partly reflecting a softening of household spending. Tight credit conditions, the ongoing housing contraction, and some slowing in export growth 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.

Inflation has been high, spurred by the earlier increases in the prices of energy and some other commodities. The Committee expects inflation to moderate later this year and next year, but the inflation outlook remains highly uncertain.

The downside risks to growth and the upside risks to inflation are both of significant concern to the Committee. The Committee will monitor economic and financial developments carefully and will act as needed to promote sustainable economic growth and price stability.

We know that the Fed has been pumping cash in to the system to keep effective interest rates from skyrocketing (like the LIBOR) as banks horde cash, so while they are holding pat on the interest rate, they are doing plenty to flood the market with cash in an attempt to keep interest rates from spiking on fears of bank failure.

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