Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee statement

The Federal Open Market Committee decided by a vote of 9-3 to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3-1/2 to 3-3/4 percent to support its dual mandate. Three members dissented, preferring to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point at this meeting. Inflation remains above the 2 percent target, and economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace.