EFTA Document EFTA01459052

Significant progress toward the Fed's full employment objective and robust momentum justify a Fed funds rate well above zero US economy is near full employment, confidence is high and leading indicators are supportive, even if some measures of slack remain high • Leading Indicators 7-8 8. Firms unable to fill job openings near 15-year high - labour market is tight for small businesses 7 Initial claims near 40+ year lows; signal further progress on unemployment is likely forthcoming