Fed Likely To Stand Pat

After six increases over the past year, the Federal Reserve is expected to pass up the opportunity to raise rates again this week. But many economists believe Fed policy-makers will put markets on notice that this is simply a pause and not the end of their credit-tightening campaign.

The Federal Open Market Committee, composed of Fed board members and regional bank presidents, began meeting Tuesday and will conclude their two days of closed-door discussions with an announcement around 11:15 a.m. PDT today.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 38.53 points to close at 10,504.46.