BEIJING, Oct. 31 (Xinhuanet) -- The US Federal Reserve has decided to keep its low interest-rate policies unchanged to bolster economic growth and job creation.

After a two-day policy meeting, the Fed’s decision was approved by a vote of 9-to-1. The key short-term rate is currently at a record-low near zero. And the Fed says it plans to maintain that level at least as long as the unemployment rate stays above 6.5 percent and the inflation outlook remains mild.

The Fed said it would also hold its 85-billion-dollar monthly bond purchases steady for now. The Fed again noted that budget policies in Washington have restrained growth, but it made no mention of the 16-day government shutdown.

(Source: CNTV.cn)