FOMC Preview: Fed to pause for breath this week - ING

Analysts at ING offer a sneak peek at what to expect from today’s FOMC monetary policy decision that will be announced at 1800 GMT.

Key Highlights:

“Fed will pause for breath this week.

But the case for tighter monetary policy remains strong.

Recent data flow likely to give Fed confidence to hike 3 more times this year.

Combination of rising wages, employment with tax cuts means domestic story looks robust.

Accompanying statement likely to retain an upbeat bias on inflation.

Trade protectionism remains the main threat”.