FOMC

Consumer confidence remained high even after a dip this month, and a rate cut by the Federal Reserve could send it higher.

Reads of the economy show continued weakening, which will allow the Federal Open Market Committee to cut the fed funds rate target 25 basis points to a range of 1.5% to 1.75%.

While a rate cut is likely next week, dissent on the Federal Open Market Committee may hold the key for future moves.

The Fed has been trying to rein in volatility in the market and keep the fed funds rate within its target range.

Negative rates could add to central banks’ toolbox in the next recession, though the Federal Reserve would prefer asset purchases and forward guidance.

Monetary policy may not be the answer for what ails the economy, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Esther George said Friday.

While the economy continues to expand “at a slight to modest pace,” those surveyed lowered their outlooks for growth over the coming year, according to the Fed's Beige Book.

With talk of a possible mini deal on trade with China and the Federal Reserve announcing it will buy about $60 billion of Treasury bills each month to build its reserves, the 10-year Treasury note was yielding more than three-month bills on Friday for the first time since July.

Part of the problem could be “the apparent failure of mainstream economic models to capture fully the current reality.”

The minutes from the latest Federal Open Market Committee’s policy-setting meeting highlighted some disagreements between members.