Fed Says Economy is ‘Leveling Out’
Stocks extended recent gains and US Treasury prices declined affecting currency exchange rates. The Fed issued a positive but cautious statement saying that economic activity is ‘leveling out’ but that the economy is likely to remain weak ‘for a time.’ Kathy Lien of GFT Forex said, “The outcome of this decision is still much more dollar bullish.” Many analysts believe that last week’s trend will continue. Last Friday the US dollar rose on better than expected US employment data. Throughout the recession good economic news has pressured the dollar downward.
Fed to Extend Asset Purchase Progam
Some traders believe that the decision by the Fed to extend the asset purchase deadline indicates economic weakness and will cap dollar gains. Michael Woolfolk of Bank of New York-Mellon stated, “The Fed is not yet convinced that the economy is on solid ground,” and that Fed Chairman Bernanke “knows very well the risks associated with removing stimulus too quickly.” The Fed said it would extend by one month the program to purchase long-term government securities and will not increase the amount of the purchases. Continue reading ‘Fed to Slow Asset Purchases’ »