Fed Interest Rate Decision - Dec 14, 19:00 GMT: Fed Interest Rate Decision - Dec 14, 19:00 GMT: It is almost certain that the Fed will announce an increase by 25 basis points in short-term interest rates as suggest for many months now. However, since the Fed last published forecasts back in September, the economic outlook has changed dramatically so the markets will hope to get an insight into plans for 2017 activities.

The U.S economy is benefiting from a strong final quarter of 2016, with growth at an estimated 2.6%, a fall in unemployment and following the presidential elections, what the FOMC says and not actually does, may drive the markets. Furthermore, if there is a decision not to increase interest rates this time round, we could see a major US dollar and equity market sell-off.