December 9, 2003	Tuesday	Shawwal 14, 1424

WASHINGTON, Dec 8: Federal Reserve policymakers will hold US interest rates at a 45-year low on Tuesday and no increase is likely before late 2004 despite an economic boom, analysts said.

Speculation is mounting that Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan and his colleagues may drop their stated aim to hold rates steady for a “considerable period.”

But even if the language is relaxed, Greenspan will refuse to let rates rise, analysts said.

The Federal Reserve had slashed the key federal funds target interest rate in 13 moves since January 2001.—AFP