Investors hoping Fed takes steps today to boost economy

The Federal Reserve, meeting at a time of heightened uncertainty, is expected to provide further support for a slumping U.S. economy as it concludes a two-day meeting today. But there is no consensus on what form the added support will take. Some private economists believe the Fed will launch another round of bond buying in an effort to drive long-term interest rates even lower. The aim would be to spur more borrowing, spending and economic growth. At the very least, the Fed will likely stress its readiness to do more should the economy weaken further. The Fed was scheduled to conclude its meeting today with the release of a statement outlining any changes in policy. That will be followed by an updated economic forecast from the central bank and then a news conference by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. Along with other Fed officials, Bernanke has acknowledged the U.S. economy is sputtering but has thus far given no clear signal of the next move the Fed may make. The Fed has kept its key policy lever, the federal funds rate, at a record low near zero since December 2008, and it has said it plans to keep it there until at least late 2014. The Associated Press examines the various actions the Fed may announce later today in the full story here.