Federal Reserve policymakers more confident about economyThe US Federal Reserve is preparing for stronger-than-expected economic growth this year, a view that boosts the case for higher interest rates. Those members urged their colleagues to be "patient" as they weigh future rate rises. The meeting, the final gathering led by former Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen, concluded 31 January. A number of Federal Reserve members also "marked up" forecasts for 2018 growth to reflect stronger economic data since December, according to the minutes. Ken Matheny, executive director for US economics at Macroeconomic Advisers by IHS Markit, said the discussion was "consistent" with predictions of several rate rises in 2018.

Source: VietNamNet News February 21, 2018 23:37 UTC