Fed outlook mostly unchanged

The central bank's short statement raised concerns about the financial outlook overseas and pulled back slightly in assessing the U.S. job market. But the basic message was unchanged. Federal Reserve officials also reaffirmed their plan to keep short-term interest rates near zero through late 2014. From the WSJ:

Wednesday's statement offered no new clues as to whether Fed officials plan to start a third bond-buying or other new program as part of the central bank's efforts to push down long-term interest rates and shore up the economic recovery. Fed officials have said they would consider taking additional steps if the economy deteriorates, but minutes from their last meeting showed little enthusiasm for doing so anytime soon.