Federal Reserve Unwinding: Not Until Next Spring?

September 24, 2009 RSS Feed Print

Of all the commentary and speculation from economists in reaction to the recent Fed statement, I found this one the most interesting:

First, the Fed continues to extract itself from the array of special programs adding to the balance sheet more or less as expected. This doesn’t mean that tightening is around the corner, but policymakers are inching away from the extraordinary measures put in place in 2007 and 2008. Second, the Fed is taking their sweet time to do so. If in fact the Fed buys agencies and MBS until the end of [the first quarter] next year, then the Fed’s balance sheet is unlikely to peak until then, and various exit strategies (reverse RPs, etc.) may not even begin until next spring. –Stephen Stanley, RBS

[Emphasis added]

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It's one thing to fight a recession. It's another thing for massive infusions (or pullbacks) of funny-money to be timed to lull us ordinary "clueless" people into believing we don't need financial regulatory reform or health care reform this year because things seem to be "working themselves out" (as though they were.)

Muser of NM 10:40AM September 24, 2009

Capital Commerce

Capital Commerce

U.S. News business reporter Matthew Bandyk examines the issues, people, and debates that shape the nexus of political and economic life in the nation's capital.

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