Fed expected to send rates higher today

[Freddie Stubbs]

The Associated Press


WASHINGTON — With inflation concerns easing, the Federal Reserve is expected to boost a key interest rate by a moderate quarter-point at its final meeting of the year today.

Many analysts think this pattern of gradual quarter-point rate increases will continue well into the new year. Solid economic growth and an absence of inflation pressures mean Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and his colleagues can take their time in moving away from exceptionally low interest rates.

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