A few U.S. Federal Reserve policy makers expected to taper the pace of asset purchases by midyear and end them later this year, while several others expected to slow the pace a bit later and halt the quantitative easing program by year-end, according to minutes of the Fed’s March meeting. “A few members felt that the risks and costs of purchases, along with the improved outlook since last fall, would likely make a reduction in the pace of purchases appropriate around midyear, with purchases ending later this year,� minutes from the March 19-20 meeting said on Wednesday. “Several others thought that if the outlook for labour market conditions improved as anticipated, it would probably be appropriate to slow purchases later in the year and to stop them by year-end.� At the meeting, the Fed decided to continue buying $85-billion in bonds per month to boost economic growth. The meeting was held before the poor March jobs report was unveiled. The minutes were released ahead of schedule on Wednesday because the Fed accidentally sent the report to congressional aides and trade organizations the prior day. “They were inadvertently sent early to a list of individuals who normally receive the minutes by e-mail shortly after their usual release time,� a Fed spokesman said. “The individuals on the distribution list – primarily congressional employees and employees of trade organizations – received the minutes shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday.� The Fed released the minutes to the public on Wednesday at 9 a.m.. They previously were scheduled to be released on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

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