Stronger US economy could spur earlier Fed hike in 2018: survey
Washington
A STRENGTHENING US economy may spur the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates twice in the next 3 1/2 months as a tight labour market pushes risks to the upside, a Bloomberg survey showed.
Median results of the survey of 41 economists, conducted from Dec 5-7, showed economists still expect three rate hikes in 2018 but moved forward one of those projected moves to March from June.
There was near unanimity the central bank will raise the target range for the federal funds rate a quarter percentage point to 1.25 per cent to 1.5 per cent after its two-day meeting starting Tuesday in Washington.
"The unemployment rate has fallen sharply to 4.1 per cent and on top of that we've had two straight quarters of 3…
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
US expects to finalise new Aukus trade exemptions in next 120 days
IMF concerned about debt, fiscal challenges facing low-income countries
Bank of Japan’s Ueda says ‘very likely’ to hike rates if inflation keeps rising
Colombian fund managers eye US$750 million fee bonanza after senators tweak pension bill
Fed survey cites inflation, US election as key financial stability risks
Oil prices steady after Iran plays down reported Israeli attack