The US central bank expects much stronger growth this year than previously forecast, as vaccination rates rise and government relief funds start flowing into the economy.
The Federal Reserve forecast average growth of 6.5% this year – up from 4.2% it predicted in December.
The outlook for recovery in the jobs markets has also brightened, the Fed said.
Despite the upgrade, officials did not move to raise interest rates.
And most members expect to keep borrowing costs near zero until after 2023, according to the projections released by the Fed after its regular meeting.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the bank wanted to see proof of a more complete recovery before altering its policies, which are focused on stimulating economic activity.
Millions of people remain out of work and the parts of the economy most affected by the pandemic – such as leisure and hospitality – remain weak, he said. The damage has disproportionately affected minority and low-wage workers, who are often the last to benefit from an economic rebound, he added.
“The recovery has progressed more quickly than generally expected,” he said at a press conference after the meeting. “While we welcome these positive developments, no one should be complacent.”
The improved outlook – a compilation of independent forecasts by the bank’s board members – includes projections that inflation could heat up later this year, reaching 2.4%, above the bank’s historic 2% target. But Mr Powell said such a move was likely to be “transient”.
Share prices on Wall Street jumped after the announcement.
