[뉴욕=뉴스핌] 김민정 특파원 = 미국 연방준비제도(Fed)가 26일(현지시간) 기준금리를 인상했다. 정책 성명서에서 ‘완화적’ 문구를 삭제함으로써 금융위기 이후 이어온 완화적 통화정책의 종료를 선언했다.

연준은 이날 연방공개시장위원회(FOMC) 정례회의를 마치고 기준금리인 연방기금금리의 목표 범위를 2.00~2.25%로 25bp(1bp=0.01%포인트) 올린다고 밝혔다.

다음은 이날 공개된 정책 성명서 전문이다.

Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in August indicates that the labor market has continued to strengthen and that economic activity has been rising at a strong rate. Job gains have been strong, on average, in recent months, and the unemployment rate has stayed low. Household spending and business fixed investment have grown strongly. On a 12-month basis, both overall inflation and inflation for items other than food and energy remain near 2 percent. Indicators of longer-term inflation expectations are little changed, on balance.

Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability. The Committee expects that further gradual increases in the target range for the federal funds rate will be consistent with sustained expansion of economic activity, strong labor market conditions, and inflation near the Committee's symmetric 2 percent objective over the medium term. Risks to the economic outlook appear roughly balanced.

In view of realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 2 to 2-1/4 percent.

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, Chairman; John C. Williams, Vice Chairman; Thomas I. Barkin; Raphael W. Bostic; Lael Brainard; Richard H. Clarida; Esther L. George; Loretta J. Mester; and Randal K. Quarles.

Implementation Note issued September 26, 2018

mj72284@newspim.com