Fed announces US rate increaseThe US central bank has said it will raise its benchmark interest rate citing a strengthened economic outlook. Policymakers also signalled they would increase rates twice more this year, while raising the forecast for rate hikes in 2019. The central bank is trying to balance a low unemployment rate with the potential for higher inflation. Wednesday's rate increase was widely expected, but there are new faces on the committee, raising questions about whether policymakers will move more quickly in coming months. An increase in the Fed's benchmark federal funds rate typically leads to higher rates for consumers and businesses.

Source: VietNamNet News March 21, 2018 21:11 UTC