Speculation over whether the Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) would raise interest rates at its monthly policy meeting reached fever-pitch this week, culminating in the Fed’s announcement yesterday to leave rates unchanged. Analysts reckon the calculus of factors that weigh on Fed interest rate decisions is more complex now than ever before. The Fed must not only contend with high inflation, stubborn unemployment, and the need for economic growth, but also asset prices and the balance of trade. Everyone agrees that core inflation, at 3%, is higher than it should be. However, Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Fed, clearly realizes that while a rate hike would certainly stem inflation and limit the possibility of asset bubbles forming, it would also dampen the economic growth which has become so critical to America.

Read More: Why Fed Might Keep Rates on Hold