More rate increases expected as Fed keeps fighting inflation threat

More rate increases expected as Fed keeps fighting inflation threat: "WASHINGTON -- Nov. 2, 2005 -- The star actor may be about to depart, but his understudy at the Federal Reserve is expected to keep following the same script - gradually increasing interest rates to make sure inflation does not get out of control.

Many private economists believe outgoing Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan will boost rates at his final two meetings on Dec. 13 and Jan. 31 and that Ben Bernanke, the man tapped to succeed him, will add a final rate increase at his first meeting on March 28.

Analysts said they hold to the view that there will be at least three more rate increases because they believe Bernanke will want to show his inflation-fighting zeal as soon as he takes over and signal his solidarity with the policies of Greenspan. The outgoing chairman gained near mythic status in financial markets during his 18 years as Fed chief."