The Federal Reserve sounds a bit more upbeat about the job market and the global economy, but still the central bank is erring on the side of caution.
Following a meeting on Tuesday, the Fed's key policymaking committee voted to make no changes to its ongoing stimulus programs.
The central bank still plans to keep the federal funds rate at record lows "at least through late 2014." The Fed has held interest rates near zero since December 2008, hoping cheaper access to credit would spur economic growth.