However, it will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks when making future interest rate decisions.

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) has anticipated that if the data comes in roughly "as expected" - that is, inflation continues to decline steadily to 2% and the economy remains near maximum employment - it would probably be appropriate to gradually move towards a more neutral monetary policy stance.

However, it will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks when making future interest rate decisions.

This is evident from the minutes of the last monetary policy meeting of the central body, in which the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to lower interest rates by 25 basis points, leaving them within the target range of 4.50% to 4.75%.

Among other things, the committee noted that inflation has made progress toward the 2% target but remains somewhat elevated. It also noted that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace and that labor market conditions have improved.

The committee has, however, said it would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the achievement of its inflation targets.

At the November meeting, committee members noted that further recalibration of the monetary policy stance would help maintain the strength of the economy and the labor market, while continuing to allow for further inflation gains. They therefore considered it "appropriate" to continue the process of reducing rates.

At the moment, the risks to achieving the employment and inflation goals are roughly balanced, according to most Fed members, who have considered the economic outlook "uncertain."