国际英语资讯:Spotlight: U.S. Fed keeps rates near zero, warns of COVID-19 resurgence_时事

国际英语资讯:Spotlight: U.S. Fed keeps rates near zero, warns of COVID-19 resurgence

Brusuelas expected the Fed to announce a shift in the policy regime toward "an average inflation targeting" in its September meeting, which has put downward pressure on longer-term interest rates over the past week in anticipation of such a move following the 18-month review of central bank policy.

Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton, a major accounting firm, also expected the Fed to adopt some form of forward guidance tied to inflation in September.

"The Fed decided to hold back on its issuance of 'forward guidance' tied to an overshoot on inflation until September. The Fed is also actively considering yield curve controls," Swonk tweeted, adding the Fed's goal is to get unemployment rate down to extremely low levels as soon as possible.

The Fed meeting also came as the enhanced federal unemployment benefits that millions of Americans rely upon are set to expire at the end of this month, and Republican and Democratic lawmakers haven't settled their differences over the size and scope of the next COVID-19 relief bill.

"It suggests to me that both sides, they're wrangling over various provisions, but nonetheless believe there is a need for some additional fiscal support," Powell told reporters.

Many of the American people that were laid off during the pandemic are going to need support "if they're going to be able to pay their bills to continue spending money to remain in their current rental house or apartment or house if they own it," he added.