FEDERAL RESERVE PONDERS PULLBACK IN ECONOMIC AID

A divided Federal Reserve will meet this week to discuss when and how it should dial back its ultra-low-interest rate policies. For now, the U.S. economy is growing briskly and the pace of hiring is healthy, which is why the Fed’s policymakers likely will move closer toward acting soon. In particular, the officials are expected to discuss the timing of slowing their bond purchases – a policy that aims to keep long-term loan rates low to spur borrowing and spending.