Fed Extends Bond Purchases Until October But Not Amount

The US Federal Reserve said Wednesday the economy was showing signs of leveling out after 20 months of recession and it will extend the duration but not the size of a program to buy long-term government securities to minimize any disruptions from completing it.
The U.S. central bank also kept its benchmark short-term interest rate steady near zero and said it would likely stay there for an extended period.

"To promote a smooth transition in markets as these purchases of Treasury securities are completed, the committee has decided to gradually slow the pace of these transactions and anticipates that the full amount will be purchased by the end of October," the Fed said in a statement at the conclusion of its policy-setting meeting. (more)