The US Fed maintained the Fed funds rate target at 0.25-0.50, on par with expectations. Nevertheless, there were many changes to the central bank's statement that indicate that the Fed might keep the rates on hold in March. The central bank in its statement noted that that it is no longer 'reasonably confident' that inflation will reach the medium-term target of 2%.

The low core inflation indicates that FOMC might remain patient to raise rates. It reinstated that it is closely watching the global economic and financial developments. This indicates that the central bank is taking into account the financial market disturbance and the development in China and other emerging nations.