Investors widely expect the Fed to hold the federal funds target range at 3.50%–3.75% at this month’s meeting, but Natixis global markets strategist Mabrouk Chetouane says the meeting remains one of the year’s most important. He notes this will be Kevin Walsh’s first FOMC meeting as chair and that Walsh faces a difficult task: assessing the economy and possibly driving change, particularly in the Fed’s communication strategy. Chetouane says Walsh’s initial actions and early remarks will be close

Investors widely expect the Fed to hold the federal funds target range at 3.50%–3.75% at this month’s meeting, but Natixis global markets strategist Mabrouk Chetouane says the meeting remains one of the year’s most important. He notes this will be Kevin Walsh’s first FOMC meeting as chair and that Walsh faces a difficult task: assessing the economy and possibly driving change, particularly in the Fed’s communication strategy. Chetouane says Walsh’s initial actions and early remarks will be closely watched, since leadership transitions at the world’s most influential central bank often create pressure on capital markets.