Federal Reserve officials held interest rates near zero but signaled they expect two increases by the end of 2023, pulling forward the date of liftoff as the economy recovers.
"Progress on vaccinations has reduced the spread of Covid-19 in the United States," the Federal Open Market Committee said in a statement released Wednesday following the conclusion of its two-day policy meeting. "Amid this progress and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have strengthened."
The central bank held the target range for its benchmark policy rate unchanged at zero to 0.25% — where it's been since March 2020 — and pledged to continue asset purchases at a $120 billion monthly pace until "substantial further progress" had been made on employment and inflation.
The quarterly projections showed 13 of 18 officials favored at least one rate increase by the end of 2023, versus seven in March. Eleven officials saw at least two hikes by the end of that year. In addition, seven of them saw a move as early as 2022, up from four.
The FOMC vote was unanimous.
The U.S. economic recovery is gathering strength as business restrictions lift and social activity increases across the country.
