Key Insight: Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said inflation has not eased as quickly as previously forecast, underscoring the need for a cautious approach to interest rate cuts. Expert quote: “I remain optimistic that there can be more rate cuts this year. But that hinges on seeing actual progress on inflation that shows we are […]
Fed’s Goolsbee: Prioritize inflation before further cuts Read More »
Key Insight: Fed Gov. Christopher Waller highlighted his skepticism on whether the labor market is showing signs of recovery, or whether the January jobs report was a one-off. Expert Quote: “If the good labor market news of January is revised away or evaporates in February, it would support my position at the FOMC’s last meeting,
Waller questions January jobs surge, backs possible March cut Read More »
Key Insight: Federal Reserve Gov. Michael Barr said the economy is currently ‘closest’ to a scenario in which AI gradually raises worker productivity without resulting in sweeping layoffs. Supporting data: Only 17% of firms currently use AI, according to a study cited by Barr. Forward look: Barr says policymakers must prepare for the worst, which
Fed’s Barr outlines AI risks to finance, labor market Read More »
Key Insight: Inflation showed signs of cooling in January, with the annual inflation rate dropping to 2.4%. Supporting data: Prices excluding food and fuel rose 0.3% in January, while food increased 0.2% and energy prices ticked down by 1.5%, the report found. Forward look: The January inflation reading remains slightly above the Fed’s longstanding 2%
Inflation cools to 2.4%, bolstering Fed’s cautious rate outlook Read More »
Key insight: The better-than-expected jobs report saw 130,000 jobs added in January, while unemployment dropped to 4.3%. What’s at stake: The Federal Reserve is watching the numbers closely as Chairman Jerome Powell considers the central bank’s dual inflation and employment mandate. Forward look: The strong job numbers reduce the need for the Fed to slash
US adds 130,000 jobs in January; unemployment rate falls Read More »
Key Insight: Former Fed Gov. Kevin Warsh’s selection as the next Federal Reserve chair would put a familiar face atop the central bank, but the hawkish monetary policy stances he has advocated for in the past — contrasted with the accommodative policy the president prefers and that he now supports — muddy the outlook for
What bankers need to know about Fed chair-designate Warsh Read More »
Key Insight: President Trump’s selection of former Fed Gov. Kevin Warsh to a vacating seat on the central bank board will likely garner broad support from Senate Republicans, but promised opposition from Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., could slow the confirmation process. Expert Quote: “I have known Kevin for a long period of time, and
Trump taps ex-investment banker Warsh to be next Fed chair Read More »
Key Insight: The FOMC is expected to keep short-term interest rates unchanged at its January meeting, reflecting a cautious approach amid mixed economic signals. Expert Quote: “The timing of further rate cuts in 2026 will depend on whether recent progress in lowering inflation continues, as well as the ongoing health of the employment situation amid
Fed likely to keep rates steady as economy shows mixed signals Read More »
Key Insight: The Supreme Court’s focus on procedural and due process concerns suggests that Fed Governor Lisa Cook is likely to remain in her post while her case against the Trump administration proceeds. Expert quote: “While it’s always perilous to try to predict where the Court will come out, it seems to me that the
Trump Fed majority stalled, not stopped, if Cook remains Read More »
Al Drago/Bloomberg Processing Content Key Insight: Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman said labor market risks remain elevated and cautioned against signaling a policy pause as the central bank weighs its next moves. Expert Quote: “We should also avoid signaling that we will pause without identifying that conditions have changed. Doing so will indicate that we
Fed’s Bowman ‘continues to see downside risk’ to labor market Read More »