Michael Bock

Mortgage Loan Originator

  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
    • Closing Costs
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Loan Programs
    • Mortgage FAQ
    • Mortgage Glossary
  • Reviews
    • Read Reviews
    • Leave a Review
  • Contact

Fed’s Open Market Committee Holds Key Rate Steady

June 12, 2020 by Michael Bock

Fed’s Open Market Committee Holds Key Rate SteadyThe Federal Reserve’s monetary policy committee decided against changing the Fed’s benchmark interest rate range of 0.00 to 0.25 percent. The Federal Open Market Committee said in its post-meeting statement that it is not considering raising rates until 2023. Two of 17 FOMC members felt that the Fed’s key rate may rise in 2022.

Fed Approves Quantitative Easing Measures

Committee members also stabilized the Federal Reserve’s ongoing purchases of Treasury bills and mortgage-backed securities and said that the Fed would purchase Treasury bills and mortgage-backed securities “at least at the current pace.” The Fed was tapering its purchases before the Coronavirus pandemic.

FOMC members moved to stimulate the economy through quantitative easing. The Fed purchased $20 billion in Treasurys and agreed to purchase up to $22.5 billion in mortgage-backed securities this week. The Fed’s balance sheet was higher than $7 trillion as of June’s FOMC meeting, but former New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley expected the Fed’s balance sheet to reach $10 trillion.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell remained cautious about a quick economic recovery in response to last week’s report of 2.5 million jobs added in May. Mr. Powell noted that it was only one month’s data and that 20 million people remain out of work. Some analysts interpreted Mr. Powell’s comments as pressure on Congress to approve another stimulus package. FOMC members also discussed capping certain Treasury yields, but no decision was made.

Federal Reserve Chair Favors a Cautious Approach to Economic Recovery

Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the Fed’s position of supporting the economy to the extent it is permitted. In his post FOMC meeting press conference, Mr. Powell said the Fed’s goals during the pandemic were to “provide some relief and stability, ensure that the recovery will be as strong as possible and to limit lasting damage to the economy.”

Mr. Powell predicted that the decline in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the current quarter would likely be the most severe to date. He also said that the Coronavirus has not impacted Americans equally as “those least able to shoulder the burden have been the most affected.”

After saying that the extent of the economic downturn and the pace of economic recovery remains extremely uncertain, Mr. Powell indirectly called upon Congress to pass needed funding and provisions to provide additional relief until economic conditions return to normal. He said that the Fed would do “whatever we can, for as long as it takes” to assist in economic recovery.

Financial Reports Tagged: COVID19, Feds, Stimulus

Looking for something?

Michael

Contact Me


Mortgage Loan Originator
American Mortgage Services Inc.
CALL 727-457-6498

NMLS #1749855
Success Mortgage Partners
APPLY NOW  
GET A RATE QUOTE

Receive My Blog Articles to Your Inbox!

Connect with Us!

How can I help?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent Articles

  • NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Ticks Up in April
  • It’s Almost Spring Cleaning Time! Kick Clutter To The Curb With These Home Cleaning Tips
  • 3 Easy Ways to Put Aside a Bit of Extra Cash So You Can Pay off Your Mortgage Faster
  • Boosting Your Credit Score To Qualify For Better Rates
Equal Housing Lender

Previous Posts

Categories


Success Mortgage Partners
1200 Sheldon Rd
Plymouth, MI 48170

Copyright © 2021 Michael Bock  ·  All rights reserved   ·   Log In