Though the policy makers hinted that they have adopted a cautious stance given the current situation prevailing in the broader economy, plans for a rate hike remain in the cards. Last December, the Fed had planned up to a four quarter-point rise in interest rate for 2016. However, the financial mayhem beyond the borders compelled it to retreat from its plan, and adopt a more steady and meticulous approach. Market pundits now expect two quarter-point rate hikes by the end of the year.
While the global markets are trying hard to make their way out of the woods, domestic investors welcomed the Fed’s decision, which to an extent calms the jitters that rose, when discouraging retail sales data for February and a downward revision to January retail sales point to some degree surfaced.
Adding growth to dividend stocks...
Source: Zacks