27 Jun 2003 Uneven, Uncertain, But Improving

On Wednesday the Federal Reserve policymakers did something they rarely do.  They cut rates even while suggesting the economy is improving.  Furthermore, they suggested they do not plan to tighten policy (raise rates) to preempt a potential burst of growth.  The Fed cut the benchmarkU.S.interest rate to a 45-year low of 1% to boost economic growth and prevent further slowing of inflation.  Their statements and actions suggest that rates will remain low, even fall further, for an extended period of time.  Basic economics suggests that as businesses and investors begin to accept that low interest rates are here to stay, they will begin investing in longer term and riskier projects to create economic growth.  But we know the major problem facing investors and business leaders today is a lack of confidence.  The latest cut is an attempt by the Fed to show that they are willing to do what is necessary to reinvigorate economic growth.