Fed's Waller: Need to maintain flexibility on best policy decision for June meeting

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said on Wednesday that the Fed needs to maintain flexibility on the best policy decision for the June meeting, as reported by Reuters.

"I do not support stopping rate hikes unless we get clear evidence that inflation is moving down towards our 2% objective," Waller explained. "Whether we should hike or skip at the June meeting will depend on how the data come in over the next three weeks."

Additional takeaways

"Prudent risk management may suggest skipping a hike in June, leaning toward July hike depending on inflation data and if banking conditions haven't tightened excessively."

"More loosening of very tight labor market needs to be seen to help take heat off high inflation."

"Concerned about lack of progress on inflation."

"Concerned inflation won't come down much unless growth of average hourly wages nears 3%."

"April PCE inflation, May CPI data will be critical."

"There is higher-than-usual uncertainty about credit conditions."

"Fighting inflation continues to be my priority."

Market reaction

The US Dollar continues to outperform its major rivals following these comments and the US Dollar Index was last seen rising 0.4% on the day at 103.91.