|

Fed's Williams: Current modestly restrictive monetary policy entirely appropriate

New York Federal Reserve President John Williams said on Friday that the current modestly restrictive monetary policy is "entirely appropriate," as reported by Reuters.

Key takeaways

"Current rate policy fits with solid job market and above-target inflation."

"There is a lot of uncertainty in economy and policy right now."

"Expecting growth to slow in part due to lower immigration."

"Hard to know how economy is going to perform."

"Many different economic scenarios are possible right now."

"Disinflation process has followed a bumpy path."

"It was natural step for US central bank to slow pace of its balance sheet drawdown."

"No signs inflation expectations becoming unmoored."

"Data shows public believes near-term inflation rise will dissipate."

"Economic data has been sending mixed signals."

"Economy entered year on firm footing."

"Labor market started year out better balanced."

Market reaction

The US Dollar Index clings to modest daily gains following these comments and was last seen rising 0.18% on the day at 103.97.

Author

Eren Sengezer

As an economist at heart, Eren Sengezer specializes in the assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of macroeconomic data, central bank policies and political developments on financial assets.

More from Eren Sengezer
Share:

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD struggles near 1.1850, with all eyes on US CPI data

EUR/USD holds losses while keeping its range near 1.1850 in European trading on Friday. A broadly cautious market environment paired with a steady US Dollar undermines the pair ahead of the critical US CPI data. Meanwhile, the Eurozone Q4 GDP second estimate has little to no impact on the Euro. 

GBP/USD recovers above 1.3600, awaits US CPI for fresh impetus

GBP/USD recovers some ground above 1.3600 in the European session on Friday, though it lacks bullish conviction. The US Dollar remains supported amid a softer risk tone and ahead of the US consumer inflation figures due later in the NA session on Friday. 

Gold remains below $5,000 as US inflation report looms

Gold retreats from the vicinity of the $5,000 psychological mark, though sticks to its modest intraday gains in the European session. Traders now look forward to the release of the US consumer inflation figures for more cues about the Fed policy path. The outlook will play a key role in influencing the near-term US Dollar price dynamics and provide some meaningful impetus to the non-yielding bullion.

US CPI data set to show modest inflation cooling as markets price in a more hawkish Fed

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish January’s Consumer Price Index data on Friday, delayed by the brief and partial United States government shutdown. The report is expected to show that inflationary pressures eased modestly but also remained above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

The weekender: When software turns the blade on itself

Autonomous AI does not just threaten trucking companies and call centers. It challenges the cognitive toll booths that legacy software has charged for decades. This is not a forecast. No one truly knows the end state of AI.

Solana Price Forecast: Mixed market sentiment caps recovery

Solana (SOL) is trading at $79 as of Friday, following a correction of over 9% so far this week. On-chain and derivatives data indicates mixed sentiment among traders, further limiting the chances of a price recovery.