Fed Ends QE3

Federal Reserve

On October 29, the FOMC released its policy statement announcing an end to the Fed’s mortgage and treasury bond purchase program used to boost the economy. Quantitative Easing 3 (QE3) was the third in a series of subsequent monetary policy tools used to spur investing and spending in part by keeping long-term interest rates low. The end of QE3 marks a significant milestone in the post-crisis era. Regarding the end of QE3, the FOMC noted that it had seen “a substantial improvement in the outlook for the labor market since the inception of its current asset purchase program. Moreover, the Committee continues to see sufficient underlying strength in the broader economy to support ongoing progress toward maximum employment in a context of price stability. Accordingly, the Committee decided to conclude its asset purchase program this month.”