Fed Implements Rate Hike, Maintains Outlook for Next Hike

The US Federal Reserve has pushed through with its planned interest rate hike for this month while outlining its plans to continue with stricter monetary policies in spite of the country’s weak inflation rates. FOMC officials approved the central bank’s third rate hike within a six-month period and hinted at possibly another rate hike just before the end of 2017. Fed Chair Janet Yellen stated in a press conference following the announcement that the bank’s plans of unwinding its policies might be implemented sooner than later, especially if the country’s economic status meets the expectations of the Fed. Moreover, the central bank is also looking into a three-quarter point rate increase for 2018 just like its previous projection last March.