The United States Federal Open Market Committee will announce its interest rate decision around 7:15 pm London time on Tuesday December 13th. While the Fed is expected to hold interest rates below 0.25%, markets are watching for signs of QE3 in the FOMC statement. This is the third year that the Fed has left interest rates near zero. At its previous policy meeting, the Fed has initiated Operation Twist and signaled that it intends to keep rates near zero until mid-2013. The Fed has dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability. Read more