Fed likely to keep rates unchanged as it waits for clarity on Trump’s policies
US president has promised a large infrastructure spending programme and tax cuts but has given few details on their implementation
Washington — The US Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged on Wednesday in its first policy decision since President Donald Trump took office, as the central bank awaits greater clarity on his economic policies. Trump has promised a large infrastructure spending programme, tax cuts, a rollback of regulations and a renegotiation of trade deals but has offered few details or a timeline for their roll-out since his victory in the November 8 election. The central bank’s latest policy decision is scheduled to be released at 7pm GMT on Wednesday at the conclusion of a two-day meeting. Fed chairperson Janet Yellen is not due to hold a press conference. The policy decision will come a week after Yellen underscored that the US economy was near full employment and warned of a "nasty surprise" on inflation if the Fed was too slow with its rate increases. Economists polled by Reuters have all but ruled out a rate increase at this week’s meeting. Investors next see an inter...
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