The U.S. Federal Reserve is extending a program intended to further lower long-term interest rates, noting hiring has weakened, consumer spending is rising more slowly and the economy needs more support.

The Fed will continue Operation Twist through the end of the year.

The Fed has been selling US$400 billion in short-term Treasurys since September and buying longer-term Treasurys.

It says it will shift another $267 billion through December. The Fed wants to spur more borrowing, spending and growth.

But extending Operation Twist might not provide much benefit.

Long-term U.S. rates have already touched record lows. Businesses and consumers who aren’t borrowing now might not do so if rates slipped slightly more.

Fed officials are also reiterating their plan to keep short-term rates at record lows until at least late 2014.