You Said It: A TSC Weekly Poll: What's the Fed's Next Move?

This week's spate of data has suggested that inflation is remaining in check and economic growth is moderating at the kind of pace that Fed watchers hoped they would see.

Wednesday morning brought news that the July Consumer Price Index rose by a paltry 0.2% with a 0.2% hike at the core (minus those pesky and volatile food and energy costs). At the same time, though, housing starts for the month actually declined, surprising economists.

So, that's it, right? Alan Greenspan and his band of merry FOMC members are all done. Right? Off to the Hamptons, the Jersey Shore, Manhattan Beach, Puget Sound or wherever it is that FOMC members go to kick up their heels for the summer.

But are they really done? Is this the economy the Fed and its voting members have envisioned?

Here's how you voted.

Question: What's the Fed's next move?

Responses: 539 Last updated: Thu Aug 17, 8:58 AM EDT Watch out next week, the Fed's gonna raise rates again. 8% Summertime, and the living is easy. No hike this time, but a hike at the next meeting in October. 18% The Fed is done for the year. 70% Hang on there, Martha! Things have gone too far in the other way. Fed eases. 4%

Question: What's your sentiment on the stock market?

Responses: 528 Last updated: Thu Aug 17, 8:58 AM EDT Very bullish. 11% Somewhat bullish. 50% Neutral. 25% Somewhat bearish. 10% Very bearish. 4%

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