Collins says Fed limited in the policy guidance it can provide

BY Reuters | ECONOMIC | 11/15/24 06:23 PM EST

By Michael S. Derby

Nov 15 (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins said on Friday that uncertainty over the economic outlook limits what kind of guidance can be given about the outlook for monetary policy.

"We are well positioned" when it comes to monetary policy and given the unpredictability of the near-term economic outlook, "this isn't really a moment where very explicit forward guidance is appropriate," Collins told reporters at a conference held at the Boston Fed. She reiterated that data will drive the choice the Fed will make at its December policy meeting. (Reporting by Michael S. Derby; Editing by Leslie Adler)

In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

fir_news_article