Doug Porter Risks Quotations

If the bank does indeed raise rates, they are likely to sound very cautious about future rate moves, with the press release likely to highlight the many risks to the economy.

That he says 'the downside risks predominate,' however, suggests we can expect further interest-rate cuts over the course of the spring. I would expect a 50 basis point (half-percentage point) cut at the next meeting.

They ... continue to drum home the point that this isn't going to be a huge extended tightening cycle with them pointing out, yet again, the risks beyond 2006.