Part 2/7:
On December 19, 2018, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the fourth time that year by a quarter point. Despite mixed reactions, Argersinger emphasizes that the decision should not have surprised anyone, as the economic indicators clearly supported a rate hike. While the market had anticipated potential shifts towards a more cautious stance, the Fed demonstrated a commitment to its original path of gradual rate increases, opting to focus on managing long-term economic stability rather than reacting to short-term market fluctuations.