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OUR DISTRICT

SF FED BLOG

Watch FOMC Rewind: Here’s what the Fed’s
September Decision Means for You
October 1, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic poses ongoing risks to public health and the
economic outlook, the Federal Open Market Committee continues to provide full
support for the U.S. economy. The latest FOMC meeting reflects this commitment
with the Fed’s decision to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate
at 0 to ¼ percent and to expand purchases of U.S. Treasury and mortgagebacked securities.

All of this is meant to bolster the economy and stabilize markets. But how does it
work? FOMC Rewind breaks it down.

Sept. 16, 2020 FOMC Decision
So, what was decided at the latest FOMC meeting?

00:58

TRANSCRIPT
Sean: Hey Remy, looks like the Fed was in the news.
Remy: Oh yeah! They just met. They kept their main interest rate near 0%.
Sean: No change there, right?
Remy: Right, and they expect that rate to stay low for a long time to help the
economy recover from the pandemic.
Sean: How does that help?
Remy: Low rates make it cost less to borrow money. That can help businesses get

back on track and hire more workers.
Sean: How long will it last for?
Remy: Until there are enough jobs for anyone who wants to work, prices start
rising a bit faster like in a normal economy, and people are confident that will
continue.
Sean: Is that the only way they can help?
Remy: The Fed is also buying lots of bonds to keep longer-term interest rates—like
mortgages—low.
Sean: Great, thanks!
Remy: NP!

You may also be interested in:
• FOMC Rewind: Fed Updates Long-run Employment and Inflation Goals

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the
management of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco or of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.