FOMC, December 16, 2020, Press Release – What Has Changed?

Dec 16, 2020 | Central Bank, FOMC, Individuals, Institutions

Summary

Economic activity and employment continued to recover but remain well below their levels at the beginning of the year. (No Change)
Weaker demand and earlier decline in oil prices have been holding down consumer price inflation. (No Change)
Financial conditions have improved in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. (No Change)
The path of the economy will depend significantly on the course of the virus. (No Change)
The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. With inflation running persistently below this longer-run goal, the Committee will aim to achieve inflation moderately above 2 percent for some time so that inflation averages 2 percent over time and longer-term inflation expectations remain well anchored at 2 percent. (No Change)
The Committee expects to maintain an accommodative stance of monetary policy until these outcomes are achieved. (No Change)
The Committee decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and expects it will be appropriate to maintain this target range until labor market conditions have reached levels consistent with the Committee’s assessments of maximum employment and inflation has risen to 2 percent and is on track to moderately exceed 2 percent for some time. (No Change)
the Federal Reserve will continue to increase its holdings of Treasury securities by at least $80 billion per month and of agency mortgage-backed securities by at least $40 billion per month until substantial further progress has been made toward the Committee’s maximum employment and price stability goals. (Change)
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 public health, labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments. (No Change)
Voting for the action is unanimous. (No Change)