US Federal Reserve expected to maintain stimulative programmes
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This photo shows the The Federal Reserve building in Washington on Aug 22, 2012. The Federal Reserve on Wednesday, March 19, 2013, is expected to maintain its resolve to keep borrowing costs at record lows despite growing signs that the US economy is strengthening. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday is expected to maintain its resolve to keep borrowing costs at record lows despite growing signs that the US economy is strengthening.
The Fed will end a two-day meeting with a policy statement and updated economic forecasts. Afterward, Chairman Ben Bernanke will hold a news conference.
Most analysts think policymakers will acknowledge the economy's improvements but leave the Fed's stimulative policies unchanged.
Mr Bernanke has said in recent weeks that the job market, in particular, has a long way to go to full health and still needs the Fed's extraordinary support.
