'Patient' Fed Shows No Signs Of Wavering On Rate Hikes

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday gave no sign that it is wavering on hiking interest rates sometime in the second half of 2015. The U.S. central bank was upbeat about the real economy, citing "solid" growth and "strong job gains. The policymakers repeated that they think inflation will move back to the 2% target after being pushed down by transitory factors. The statement repeated that the central bank can be "patient" in hiking rates. This takes rate hikes off the table for the next two policy meetings in March and late April. Officials made no mention of the weakness in the global economy and the recent decisions by global central banks. The Fed decision was unanimous.