As a comparison, the minutes of the last FOMC meeting contained 60 paragraphs and 7,027 words. The post-meeting press release was just 5 paragraphs and 382 words.

December’s Fed Minutes shows Fed members with a positive, cautious, take on the economy.

Recent data suggests that the U.S. economy is expanding, the Fed said, but “strains” in global financial markets pose “significant risks” to the downside. This tell us that the Fed believes its economy-stimulating programs are working, but that officials remained concerned by events in the Eurozone.

The U.S. economy could be impacted by fallout. 

Other meeting consensus included : 

• On growth : The economy is expanding, despite slowing in “global economic growth”
• On housing : Data suggests the “depressed” market “could be improving”
• On inflation : Prices are stable, and remain within tolerance levels

The Fed’s analysis was of little surprise to Wall Street, and going forward, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke wants to keep it that way. The Fed Minutes contained a passage regarding market communication, and how the Fed will be more pro-active about it in the future. 

With the release of its minutes, in a section called “Market Policy Communications”, the Federal Reserve showed its plans to release 4 times annually its economic forecasts, and plans for the Fed Funds Rate. This signals in a shift in Federal Reserve transparency.

The Federal Reserve will begin including the forecast in its economic projections beginning after its next policy meeting, January 24-25, 2012.

Mortgage rates in North Carolina were little changed after the release of the Fed Minutes.

Fantastic home with gleaming hardwoods on main, vaulted ceilings with 2nd story balcony, gas fireplace, office, large bonus room, open floorplan, kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite, surround sound, master suite on main with large bath, large fenced in backyard, gas grill hook up on patio, and 2 car garage. Great location facing neighborhood park and walk to restaurants and shops.

Fantastic home with gleaming hardwoods on main, vaulted ceilings with 2nd story balcony, gas fireplace, office, large bonus room, open floorplan, kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite, surround sound, master suite on main with large bath, large fenced in backyard, gas grill hook up on patio, and 2 car garage. Great location facing neighborhood park and walk to restaurants and shops.

Located on one of Dilworth's most attractive streets. Updated kitchen w/granite countertops, new appliances, lighting & fixtures throughout. Large great room with soaring 2 story ceiling & masonry fireplace. Hardwood floors on main level. Great 2nd story loft guest or office area. From loft there is walk-in attic storage which is rarely found in other area condos. Great deck/porch for entertaining.

Located on one of Dilworth's most attractive streets. Updated kitchen w/granite countertops, new appliances, lighting & fixtures throughout. Large great room with soaring 2 story ceiling & masonry fireplace. Hardwood floors on main level. Great 2nd story loft guest or office area. From loft there is walk-in attic storage which is rarely found in other area condos. Great deck/porch for entertaining.

Fabulous 5 bedroom brick home on 2.12 acre lot overlooking a lake & wooded lot. Gourmet kitchen open to breakfast room, keeping room with fireplace & accesses screened porch. Formal living room and dining room, office, walk-out basement(plumbed) with workshop. Incredible attic for storage or could be easily converted into additional living areas. Private, quiet living with in minutes from restaurants & retail. Incredible value!