Federal Reserve policymakers opened up the option of lifting short-term interest rates at their next meeting in June, even as many cautioned that a number of economic hurdles lie in the way of another rise. as they gauge when they are confident enough to pull the trigger.
Minutes from the central bank’s April rate-setting meeting showed that most policymakers believed a rise would be “appropriate” at the June meeting if the economic data and job market conditions continue to strengthen as inflation heads towards the 2 per cent target.
However several participants also said they were concerned that the economic signals may not be clear enough by the time of the June 14-15 meeting.