FOMC Minutes are due at the top of the hour

The Federal Reserve is in a wait-and-see mode as they watch economic data and Capitol Hill. That was the clear message from the January 29 FOMC statement, Powell’s press conference and subsequent comments from other Fed officials.

The language they’ve used is that they’re in “no hurry” to cut rates further.

In terms of the Minutes, I will be looking for commentary around tariffs, inflation, the strength of the consumer and jobs.

Here was the full text of the FOMC decision:

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to
expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low
level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid.
Inflation remains somewhat elevated.

The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at
the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. The Committee judges that the
risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in
balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is
attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate.

In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target
range for the federal funds rate at 4-1/4 to 4-1/2 percent. In
considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the
target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully
assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks.
The Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities
and agency debt and agency mortgage‑backed securities. The Committee is
strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning
inflation to its 2 percent objective.

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 labor market conditions, inflation pressures and
inflation expectations, and financial and international developments.

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.