Fed cites moderate growth, takes no new action

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Two weeks before a U.S. election focused on the economy, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday that its help is still needed to increase growth and lower unemployment.

The Fed took no action after a two-day policy meeting. It wants time to assess whether the aggressive steps it launched in September will help the economy.

Last month, the Fed began buying mortgage bonds to try to push long-term interest rates lower and make home buying more affordable. It also said it planned to keep its benchmark short-term rate near zero through mid-2015.

In a statement Wednesday, the Fed said the U.S. economy is improving moderately. But it said job growth has been slow and the unemployment rate remains elevated.

It noted that consumer spending has strengthened slightly and that housing has shown further signs of improvement. Growth in business investment has slowed, though.

The Fed said inflation has recently risen slightly because of higher energy prices. It said inflation over the long run should remain mild.

The Fed’s statement was largely expected, and it didn’t move stock or bond prices.

Some analysts say they expect the Fed to take action at its next meeting, Dec. 11-12.

That’s because one Fed program that’s intended to keep long-term borrowing rates down will expire at year’s end. The program is called “Operation Twist.”

Under Operation Twist, the Fed has been selling short-term securities and using the proceeds to buy longer-term securities.