HONG KONG, China (AFP) — Asian markets rallied on Wednesday, with energy firms boosted by a rush into oil after data indicated a jump in US demand and OPEC provided an optimistic outlook for supplies. The across-the-board gains come as investors await the conclusion of a crucial Federal Reserve policy meeting later in the day, which they hope will provide some clarity on its interest rate plans over the rest of the year. Worries that […]
Tag: US Central Bank
US Fed official sees gradual rate hikes even amid low inflation
NEW YORK, United States (AFP) – The US central bank can continue to raise interest rates gradually, despite persistent low inflation that could suggest a fundamental change in the economy, a top Federal Reserve official said Thursday. New York Fed President William Dudley said while he has been surprised that inflation has remained stubbornly below the central bank’s two percent target even as the economy has grown steadily, that has not changed his basic […]





