Fed holds rates but nods to further hikes

'Improved sentiment'

The Federal Reserve held interest rates at its first meeting for 2017, although it did note 'improved sentiment' in the US indicating it will continue on its path to hike rates this year.

As widely expected, the Federal Open Market Committee, led by Janet Yellen (pictured) kept rates at a range of 0.5% to 0.75% for January, after hiking a quarter point in December, the second hike in more than ten years. Although there was little in terms of accompanying notes, the committee said "measures of consumer and business sentiment have improved of late," according to CNBC. Market expectations range from two to four rate hikes this year. Lee Ferridge, head of multi-asset strategy for North America at State Street Global Markets commented: "As widely expected the FOMC left US ...