“The broad consensus among #TheCentralBank ofcls to continue raising rates is notable, economists said. At the time of their mtg…, most govt data was suggesting that the #economy was cooling & that inflation was steadily slowing.

“More recent data, though, has signaled a potential resurgence of growth + sustained #inflation pressures. In response, #Fed ofcls may signal when they next meet in March that they're considering additional rate hikes & the prospect of keeping rates high…”

BOO!

“The increase raised #TheFed’s benchmark rate to a range of 4.5% to 4.75%, the highest level in 15 yrs. It followed a ½-pt rate increase in Dec & four ¾-pt hikes before that.

“#TheCentralBank’s rate hikes typically lead to more expensive #mortgages, #AutoLoans, #CreditCard #borrowing & #BusinessLending. Last year's ¾-pt rate hikes marked the fastest pace of credit tightening in 4 decades.