US Fed Hikes Interest Rates by 0.25%

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JUL 2023

story last updated JAN 31

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The Fed needs to stay the course on its inflation reduction regime, as every dire prediction of a Fed-induced collapse from the rate hikes has failed to come true. The economic outlook in the country is stabilizing, which gives the Fed more latitude to raise rates and help curb rapid inflation. Powell and the Fed are taking reasonable, responsible steps to fight inflation and should ignore the political pressure to hold back.

Wall Street Journal

Establishment-critical narrative

The Fed needs to hold off on any additional interest hikes for the time being, lest they risk prematurely ending the economic growth America has been experiencing. The data suggests that the economy's hot streak will cool off by the end of the year as pandemic-era savings and stimulus money is depleted by households, with reports suggesting personal savings have reached a record high. The Fed should let the succession of rate hikes take its course before making another hike.

wapo