Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have removed: remained strong, added: moderated, and the unemployment rate has removed: remained added: moved up but remains low. Inflation has eased over the past year but remains added: somewhat elevated. In recent months, there has been removed: modest added: some further progress toward the Committee's 2 percent inflation objective.

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 removed: have moved toward added: continue to move into better removed: balance over the past year. added: balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee removed: remains highly added: is attentive to removed: inflation risks. added: 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 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 percent. In considering any 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 does not expect it will be appropriate to reduce the target range until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent. In addition, the Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage‑backed securities. The Committee is strongly committed to 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.

Voting for the monetary policy action were Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Thomas I. Barkin; Michael S. Barr; Raphael W. Bostic; Michelle W. Bowman; Lisa D. Cook; Mary C. Daly; added: Austan D. Goolsbee; Philip N. Jefferson; Adriana D. Kugler; removed: Loretta J. Mester; and Christopher J. Waller. added: Austan D. Goolsbee voted as an alternate member at this meeting.