The Federal Reserve is seen holding the target range for the federal funds rate steady at 0-0.25 percent at the end of its two-day meeting on Wednesday while renewing its pledge to keep it low for as long as necessary. Still, investors will follow Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference for further details about the new average inflation target, the possibility of additional stimulus, and clarification about the purchases of Treasury and mortgage-backed securities. The Fed will also release fresh economic and interest rate projections, including forecasts for 2023 for the first time. The funds rate is expected to stay near 0 percent through 2023 while unemployment is seen lower and economic growth faster.
