[전문]美연준 FOMC 정책성명서…'인내심' 문구 유지

[뉴욕=이데일리 이준기 특파원] 미국 중앙은행인 연방준비제도(연준·Fed)는 1일(현지시간) 이틀간에 걸친 연방공개시장위원회(FOMC) 정례회의를 종료한 직후 공개한 통화정책 성명서를 통해 “기준금리를 현 2.25%~2.50%로 동결한다”고 밝혔다.

연준은 이날 성명서에서 노동시장과 경제활동의 견조한 상승 흐름이 지속하고 있지만, 가계 소비와 투자는 둔화했으며, 전반적인 물가는 하락했다고 평가했다. 따라서 향후 금리 목표 범위에 대한 조정을 고려할 때 “인내심을 가질 것”이라고 설명했다.

◇다음은 연준의 4월 통화정책 성명서(영문) 전문.

Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in March indicates that the labor market remains strong and that economic activity rose at a solid rate. Job gains have been solid, on average, in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Growth of household spending and business fixed investment slowed in the first quarter. On a 12-month basis, overall inflation and inflation for items other than food and energy have declined and are running below 2 percent. On balance, market-based measures of inflation compensation have remained low in recent months, and survey-based measures of longer-term inflation expectations are little changed.

Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability. In support of these goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 percent. The Committee continues to view sustained expansion of economic activity, strong labor market conditions, and inflation near the Committee‘s symmetric 2 percent objective as the most likely outcomes. In light of global economic and financial developments and muted inflation pressures, the Committee will be patient as it determines what future adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate may be appropriate to support these outcomes.

In determining the timing and size of future adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will assess realized and expected economic conditions relative to its maximum employment objective and its symmetric 2 percent inflation objective. This assessment will take into account a wide range of information, including measures of labor market conditions, indicators of inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and readings on financial and international developments.

Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Michelle W. Bowman; Lael Brainard; James Bullard; Richard H. Clarida; Charles L. Evans; Esther L. George; Randal K. Quarles; and Eric S. Rosengren.

Implementation Note issued May 1, 2019