Fifth FOMC Meeting of 2023 Adjourned: United States Prime Rate Rises to 8.50%

United States Prime Rate

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve System has just adjourned its fifth monetary policy meeting of 2023 and, in accordance with our latest forecast, has voted to raise the benchmark target range for the federal funds rate to 5.25% - 5.50%. Therefore, the United States Prime Rate (a.k.a the Fed Prime Rate) is now 8.50%.

NB: U.S. Prime Rate = (The Fed Funds Target Rate + 3)

Here's a clip from today's FOMC press release (note text in bold):

"...Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace. Job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remains elevated.

The U.S. banking system is sound and resilient. Tighter credit conditions for households and businesses are likely to weigh on economic activity, hiring, and inflation. The extent of these effects remains uncertain. The Committee remains highly attentive to inflation risks.

The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. In support of these goals, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 percent. The Committee will continue to assess additional information and its implications for monetary policy. In determining the extent of additional policy firming that may be appropriate to return inflation to 2 percent over time, the Committee will take into account the cumulative tightening of monetary policy, the lags with which monetary policy affects economic activity and inflation, and economic and financial developments.

In addition, the Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities, as described in its previously announced plans. The Committee is strongly committed to returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.

In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee's goals. The Committee's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments.

Voting for the monetary policy action were Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Michael S. Barr; Michelle W. Bowman; Lisa D. Cook; Austan D. Goolsbee; Patrick Harker; Philip N. Jefferson; Neel Kashkari; Lorie K. Logan; and Christopher J. Waller..."

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Odds Now At 100% (Certain) The U.S. Prime Rate Will Rise to 8.50% After This Afternoon's FOMC Monetary Policy Meeting

Prime Rate Prediction

Prime Rate Forecast

As of right now, our odds are at 100% (certain) the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will vote to raise the benchmark target range for the fed funds rate to  5.25% - 5.50% at today's monetary policy meeting, with the United States Prime Rate (a.k.a Fed Prime Rate) rising to 8.50%.

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Many economists keep warning that a recession may be in the offing, but working  America and consumer America are in defiance.

Employment remains very strong, while the latest Consumer Confidence reading (for this month) proves that Americans are still spending like...Americans.

Interesting note: Since the beginning of this year, government has been hiring more than any other sector. :o(

Stay tuned...

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CHART: Job Growth In America
by Sector, So Far In 2023

Chart courtesy: The New York Post

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The United States Prime Rate was raised to the current 8.25% on May 3, 2023.

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NB: U.S. Prime Rate = (The Fed Funds Target Rate + 3)

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Current Odds

• Current odds the U.S. Prime Rate will rise to 8.50% after today's FOMC monetary policy meeting: 100% (certain.)
  

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