The Fed Unexpectedly Stopped Raising Rates. Now what? This is all part of their plan and things are going as planned. Maintain portfolio positions. If the economy was doing well enough, the rate hikes would continue. Reduce risk exposure in anticipation of an economic slowdown The Fed Unexpectedly Stopped Raising Rates. Now what? This is all part of their plan and things are going as planned. Maintain portfolio positions. If the economy was doing well enough, the rate hikes would continue. Reduce risk exposure in anticipation of an economic slowdown