The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise rates at its meeting later this month. But Fed officials have been sending conflicting signals about the timing of a rate hike with some saying it could happen as soon as June and others saying it could happen later this year.
In a speech on Monday Fed Chair Janet Yellen said the case for a rate hike had strengthened in recent months as the economy has continued to improve.
“It’s appropriate I think for the Fed to gradually and cautiously increase our overnight lending rate to reflect improved economic conditions” she said.
But Yellen also said the Fed could wait to see more evidence of inflation before raising rates.
“Inflation is currently running below our 2% objective and I believe that it will take some time for inflation to return to our 2% objective” she said.
So when will the Fed finally raise rates?
Here’s a look at some of the key dates to watch:
June 14-15: The Fed’s next meeting
This is the meeting where a rate hike is most likely to happen.
In its statement at the end of the meeting the Fed is widely expected to say that it is “closely monitoring” the economy and keeping a close eye on inflation.
The statement is likely to leave the door open for a rate hike in June or July.
July 5-6: The Fed’s annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole
This is a major event on the Fed’s calendar where central bankers from around the world gather to discuss economic policy.
Fed Chair Janet Yellen is scheduled to give a speech at the symposium on Friday July 8.
This could be a key event for the Fed to signal its plans for a rate hike.
September 20-21: The Fed’s next meeting
This is another meeting where a rate hike could happen.
In its statement at the end of the meeting the Fed is likely to say that it is still closely monitoring the economy and inflation.
But the Fed could also use this meeting to provide more clarity on its plans for a rate hike.
October 31-November 1: The Fed’s next meeting
This is the final meeting of the year and it’s possible that the Fed could raise rates at this meeting.
In its statement at the end of the meeting the Fed is likely to say that the economy is continuing to improve and that inflation is moving closer to its 2% target.
The Fed could also use this meeting to provide more guidance on its plans for future rate hikes.
So when will the Fed finally raise rates?
The answer is: it’s still not entirely clear.
The Fed could raise rates at its meeting later this month or it could wait until later this year.
But one thing is certain: the Fed is getting closer to raising rates and the next few months are likely to be key in determining when that will finally happen.
When will the Federal Reserve raise interest rates?
The Federal Reserve has not yet announced when they will raise interest rates.
Why does the Federal Reserve raise interest rates?
The Federal Reserve raises interest rates in order to help control inflation.
How does the Federal Reserve raise interest rates?
The Federal Reserve raises interest rates by changing the federal funds rate.
What is the federal funds rate?
The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks lend money to each other overnight.
How does the Federal Reserve changing the federal funds rate affect interest rates?
When the Federal Reserve changes the federal funds rate it affects the overall level of interest rates in the economy.
Will the Federal Reserve raise interest rates at their next meeting?
The Federal Reserve has not yet announced if they will raise interest rates at their next meeting.
When is the next Federal Reserve meeting?
The next Federal Reserve meeting is on December 19 2018.
What are the economic conditions like currently?
Currently the economy is doing well and inflation is low.
What does this mean for the possibility of a rate hike?
This means that there is a possibility that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.
Will the Federal Reserve raise rates multiple times in 2019?
The Federal Reserve has not yet announced how many times they will raise rates in 2019.
How will the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates affect the economy?
The Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates will affect the overall level of interest rates in the economy.
What does this mean for consumers?
This means that consumers will see an increase in the interest rates on their loans.
What does this mean for businesses?
This means that businesses will see an increase in the interest rates on their loans.
What does this mean for the stock market?
This means that the stock market may see some volatility as investors adjust to the new interest rates.
What does this mean for the housing market?
This means that the housing market may see some volatility as buyers and sellers adjust to the new interest rates.
