Fed hikes interest rates with a further six rises expected in 2022

First hike since 2018

clock • 4 min read

The US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, it announced late on Wednesday evening (16 March), while the Fed’s so-called dot plot now shows a total seven hikes for 2022.

The move marks the Fed's first rate rise since 2018 and is an attempt to tackle inflation, which is at a 40-year high in the United States at 7.9%. Last night the Fed said it will likely take longer for inflation rates to return to 2%, with inflation still projected to be above 2.3% in 2024. When the rate rise was announced, Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, said: "We are attentive to the risks of potential further upward pressure on inflation and inflation expectations. "The committee is determined to take the measures necessary to restore price stability. The American ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

UK inflation falls to 3% to give BoE 'green light' for rate cut

UK inflation falls to 3% to give BoE 'green light' for rate cut

In line with expectations

Michael Nelson
clock 18 February 2026 • 2 min read
Interest rate cuts expected after UK GDP edges up 0.1%

Interest rate cuts expected after UK GDP edges up 0.1%

Construction output lowest since 2021

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 12 February 2026 • 2 min read
Leaked Budget document viewed almost 25,000 times ahead of speech

Leaked Budget document viewed almost 25,000 times ahead of speech

Office for Budget Responsibility chair Richard Hughes quit as a result

Jenna Brown
clock 11 February 2026 • 2 min read