Fed Chair Jerome Powell presented the Fed’s Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to Congress. He said that although inflation has moderated in recent months, there is still a long way to go until inflation reaches the Fed’s 2% target – and the road “is likely to be bumpy.” Powell noted stronger than expected employment, consumer spending and manufacturing data suggested that inflationary pressures were running higher than expected. He vowed the Fed will “stay the course until the job is done.”

What’s the bottom line? The Fed has hiked its benchmark Fed Funds Rate eight times since last March, bringing it to a range of 4.5% to 4.75%. This is the interest rate for overnight borrowing for banks and it is not the same as mortgage rates. When the Fed hikes the Fed Funds Rate, they are trying to slow the economy and curb inflation.

The Fed is clearly afraid of inflation resurging like it did in the 1970’s, as Powell noted that “the historical record cautions strongly against prematurely loosening policy.” The Fed’s next meeting and decision regarding additional hikes to the Fed Funds Rate is March 21-22.