In an anticipated move the Federal Open Market Committee today left the Federal funds rate in a "range from 0 to 1/4 percent." The discount also was left unchanged at 0.50%. The Fed funds rate remained the lowest ever. The decision was unanimous amongst FOMC voters.

The Fed indicated that "Household spending has shown signs of stabilizing but remains constrained by ongoing job losses, lower housing wealth and tight credit." Moreover, the Fed pointed out that while "the economic outlook has improved modestly since the March meeting, partly reflecting some easing of financial market conditions, economic activity is likely to remain weak for a time. Nonetheless, the Committee continues to anticipate that policy actions to stabilize financial markets and institutions, fiscal and monetary stimulus, and market forces will contribute to a gradual resumption of sustainable economic growth in a context of price stability."

Regarding inflation the same statement was offered as at the last meeting. "... that inflation will remain subdued. Moreover, the Committee sees some risk that inflation could persist for a time below rates that best foster economic growth and price stability in the longer term.

In its effort to promote economic liquidity, the Fed used the same language as in March. "As previously announced, to provide support to mortgage lending and housing markets and to improve overall conditions in private credit markets, the Federal Reserve will purchase a total of up to $1.25 trillion of agency mortgage-backed securities and up to $200 billion of agency debt by the end of the year. In addition, the Federal Reserve will buy up to $300 billion of Treasury securities by autumn."

For the complete text of the Fed's latest press release please follow this link.

The Haver databases USECON, WEEKLY and DAILY contain the figures from the Federal Reserve Board.