Q&A continues: Q: Looking at data today , do....>

FED: Q&A continues:

Q: Looking at data today , do you believe you have achieved a soft landing?

- A: That is our outlook, of moderate growth, 2% trend growth: could be better,

could be worse, but our stance is appropriate as long as that is our outlook.

Q: Rationale behind moving at this meeting rather than waiting until Dec, any

discussion?

- A: Had our usual range of perspectives but had strong vote in favour of this

action. Believe strongly the right move, actions today the right move, to

achieve our objectives.

Q: Different regions reacting differently to China trade; coast vs middle; urban

vs rural; how does that impact decisions?

- A: MonPol a blunt instrument. First thing is to understand that. We don't have

tools to address that. Call things out that are important to our economy, but

some have to be handled at state / local level. Not asking Congress to do

anything right now. We do what we do: fin stability, price stability. Other

issues, disparity of wealth, potential growth rate etc. are issues for Congress.