The US Federal Reserve expected a rate hike soon, with inflation reaching more than 2% and the labor market strong.

The Federal Reserve said the FOMC expects it will be appropriate to raise interest rates soon, referring to the possibility of a rate move at its March meeting.

But the Fed reiterated its warnings about continuing risks to the economic outlook, including new variants of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

He also stated that asset purchases would be reduced to $30 billion in February, ending the program by the beginning of next March.

The Fed indicated that it expects the bank's balance sheet reduction process to begin after the start of the rate hikes.

The Federal Reserve decided, yesterday, Wednesday, to fix the interest rate at a range between 0% and 0.25% without change, in a decision that came in line with expectations.