Balance sheet to shrink by $95 billion per month as many on Fed see 50 basis point hikes coming, minutes show

Minutes of the Fed’s March meeting said officials generally settled on shrinking the balance sheet by $95 billion per month after a 3-month phase-in. Officials stressed they made no final decision on winding down the $9 trillion portfolio but said the plan could start in May. The minutes revealed that many Fed officials signaled they would support 50 basis point rate hikes at upcoming meetings if inflation remains high or gets even worse. “Many” Fed officials wanted a 50-basis point hike in March, but agreed to a smaller 25-basis point increase due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news.