re: Anyone with Access to the WSJ Online?

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When Fisher of the Dallas Fed or Plosser of Philadelphia give a speech, you know it's going to be critical of current Fed policy. But when Williams of SF starts to talk about pulling back QE as early as this summer, you know some balloons are being floated.

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Yet while officials appear increasingly settled on a strategy for how to dial back the program, they haven't decided when to start.

Mr. Fisher said he advocated starting right away at the last Fed meeting. Some officials can envision taking a first step this summer, if strong data show the economy is weathering the tax increases and federal spending cuts that appear to be weighing on growth. But they might wait longer, especially if the economy disappoints, as it has for several years during the spring and summer months.

A Wall Street Journal survey of private economists this week showed that 55% expect the Fed to start shrinking its bond purchases in the third or fourth quarter this year, while 45% expect the Fed to wait until next year or later. None expected the Fed to increase its purchases as its next step.

The bond-buying programs are aimed at pushing down long-term interest rates and boosting financial markets to encourage more borrowing, spending and hiring in the broader economy. The Fed's securities holdings have increased from $2.58 trillion to $3.04 trillion since September.

Clearer signals about the Fed's plans could emerge next week. Five regional Fed bank presidents, including Mr. Fisher and Mr. Plosser, and Fed governor Sarah Bloom Raskin are scheduled to speak. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will discuss economic prospects for the long-run in a commencement address at Bard College at Simon's Rock next Saturday.

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