Gary Siegel

Gross domestic product grew at the expected 2.1% annualized pace in the third quarter, as economists wondered how long consumers will stay strong and offset soft business investment.

The markets suggest investors won't react to the impeachment of President Trump, while a mixed bag of indicators say the economy will continue growing at a moderate pace.

The economy should continue its moderate growth path, inflation may tick up, downside risks seem to have been put at bay by the Federal Reserve, and rates are likely to stay where they are, experts say.

Recession fears, which persisted earlier this year, have subsided and Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Eric Rosengren does not expect a downturn unless a major shock occurs.

With markets still digesting Friday’s news, one thing is clear: the Federal Reserve will keep rates steady.

Reports of a trade deal and an election that seems to cement Brexit don’t remove the uncertainties the Federal Reserve has been worrying about.

Inflation remains tame, and although the consumer price index has ticked up, producer prices surprised to the downside Thursday.

As expected the Federal Open Market Committee left rates at a range of 1.5% to 1.75%, with no officials dissenting, and the updated forecasts call for rates to remain there through 2020.

With Federal Reserve officials offering a united front on keeping interest rates steady, attention will focus on the Summary of Economic Projections and the repo market.

As the Federal Open Market Committee convenes for its final scheduled meeting this year, one where President Trump kept upping the political pressure, the 2020 elections threaten to make the situation worse.