Fed Will Sit Tight Next Week, but Markets Shouldn't Get Complacent

Don't expect any interest rate policy change from the Federal Reserve next week, but rates could rise sooner than the market expects, according to one economist. Michael Hanson, Senior Economist with Bank of American Merrill Lynch, said it's extremely unlikely that Fed officials will make a move at their upcoming meeting. 'I think it's an open question whether they go this year,' said Hanson. 'The markets are certainly pricing the Fed not to hike until well into next year.' Hanson said he wants to see what the Fed says about economic conditions abroad in the statement that is released after the meeting. Clearly, other Central Banks are concerned about slowing economies. On Friday, China cut its benchmark bank lending rate by 25 basis points. Earlier in the week, the European Central Bank held rates steady, but said it would review its quantitative easing program at its December meeting. Hanson said the Fed has to weigh that potential weakness overseas against positive economic developments in the U.S., such as job growth.