The Federal Reserve has raised its federal funds benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 0.25%-0.5%, marking the first time since 2018 that the central bank has increased rates.
The move comes as indicators of economic activity and employment continue to strengthen, with strong job gains and a decline in the unemployment rate. Inflation remains elevated due to supply and demand imbalances related to the pandemic, higher energy prices, and broader price pressures.
The Fed’s decision to raise rates was approved by the Federal Open Market Committee with one dissent from St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, who preferred a 50 basis point increase.
The Committee also indicated that it plans to increase rates at each of the six remaining meetings this year, bringing the consensus funds rate to 1.9% by the end of the year. This is a full percentage point higher than indicated in December. The Committee sees three more hikes in 2023 and none in the following year. Along with the rate hikes, the Committee also plans to begin reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities at a coming meeting.
In its statement, the Fed noted that the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is causing significant human and economic hardship and could create additional upward pressure on inflation and weigh on economic activity in the near term. However, the Committee expects that with appropriate firming in monetary policy, inflation will return to its 2% objective and the labor market will remain strong. The Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook and will be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy if necessary to achieve its goals.