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Federal Open Market Committee Conference Call September 8, 1983 PRESENT: Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Volcker, Chairman Solomon, Vice Chairman (Board) Gramley Guffey Mr. Keehn Mr. Martin (Telephone) Mr. Morris Mr. Partee Mr. Rice Mr. Roberts Mrs. Teeters Messrs. Boehne, Boykin, Corrigan, and Mrs. Horn, Alternate Members of the Federal Open Market Committee Mr. Black, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Mr. Axilrod, Staff Director and Secretary Mr. Bernard, Assistant Secretary Mrs. Steele, Deputy Assistant Secretary Mr. Bradfield, General Counsel Mr. Kichline, Economist Mr. Truman, Economist (International) Mr. Coyne, Assistant to the Board, Office of Board Members, Board of Governors Mr. Sternlight, Manager for Domestic Operations, System Open Market Account Mr. Cross, Manager for Foreign Operations, System Open Market Account (Board) Mr. Forrestal, First Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Transcript of Federal Open Market Committee Conference Call of September 8, 1983 CHAIRMAN VOLCKER. I'd like to take advantage of this [consultation] for two reasons. One is just to get any comments or reflections that any of you might have on perceptions of what is going on in the economy or inflation; the other is more directly in terms of the policy decided upon [at the last meeting]. We have gone somewhat toward the lower end of the specific range we were talking about in terms of reserve pressures at the meeting. The directive clearly contemplated less than that if there was weakness in the aggregates, particularly if it was not accompanied by signs of increased economic activity. And I would interpret that at the moment as moving--or at least making our errors--on the slightly easier side and not doing anything very drastic, depending upon what happens in the first part of September. If the aggregates came in low then, we would continue to move in that direction; if there were a tendency to reverse what has happened recently, we would stop moving in that direction. Conceivably, if growth were high enough, we'd go back to where we were. So, we're in that kind of posture at the moment of leaning a little toward the easier side, fully in accordance with the directive. [Secretary's note: The transcript record has an ellipsis at this point, indicating that the ensuing discussion was not transcribed.] CHAIRMAN VOLCKER. Anyone else? I do not hear any comments that suggest a great sea change is going on in the direction of economic activity at this point, and I think that reinforces a feeling that the directive calls for some move here, but it is not going to be very dramatic. MR. PARTEE. By "some move," Paul, do you mean just a little easing within that boundary on borrowings that we were talking about? CHAIRMAN VOLCKER. MR. PARTEE. Beyond that? CHAIRMAN VOLCKER. MR. PARTEE. No, it goes beyond that. But not much. It could go-- How much beyond that? MR. GUFFEY. What are you proposing, Mr. Chairman: borrowing level to achieve a bit of easing? a lower CHAIRMAN VOLCKER. You know, this is partly an art, but I think I would aim at $700 million or a little less. [Secretary's note: The transcript ends at this point.] END OF SESSION
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