Talking Points:
- St. Louis Fed President Bullard says prudent to get Fed policy back to normal
- Chicago Fed’s Evans sees 0.75-1.0% FFR range as appropriate at end-2016
- Fed Vice Chair Fischer says US weathering headwinds from strong US Dollar
The US Dollar produced a mixed reaction as a slew of comments from key Federal Reserve officials crossed the wires. On balance, the overall tone of policymakers’ remarks seems to suggest officials are leaning toward a rate hike at next month’s meeting. Indeed, Fed Funds futures contracts reveal markets are now pricing in the probability of such an outcome at 69.8 percent.
St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said there is “no reason to experiment with extreme policy”. His projections for the domestic economy are above the median expectations. With a 5 percent unemployment rate and some measures of Fed goals being reached, the central banker says it is prudent to normalize monetary policy. Bullard did note that an unexpected shock can put a hold on the rate hike process, underscoring the Fed’s data-dependent posture.
- No reason to continue experiment with “extreme” policy
- 5% us jobless rate is close to full employment
- Says prudent to edge fed policy back toward normal
- Sees stronger economy, his “dots and higher than median
- Another shock could cause rate pause
Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker’s comments leaned more towards the hawkish side of the spectrum. His forecast for the US economy is also above the median estimates. Lacker believes that inflation is still on the proper course to reach the 2 percent target and that there is a “strong” case for the Fed Funds rate to be increased.
- Monetary policy uniquely suited to control inflation
- Says targeting inflation is still appropriate
- Case for Fed raising rates now is “strong”
- His “dots” are higher than FOMC median
- Concerned FOMC will be in 25bps per meeting rut
Chicago Fed President Charles Evans sees the Federal Funds Rate (FFR) in the 0.75-1.00 percent range at the end of 2016. He thinks the actual path tightening is more important than when the process starts. Evans is waiting to see a greater pick-up in CPI before he is as comfortable as his colleagues with a rate hike. As of now, he lacks confidence that inflation will reach its medium-term goal.He predicts the US will grow 2.5 percent in the next eighteen months.
- Favors “somewhat later liftoff” than many fed colleagues
- Timing of Fed liftoff less important than rate path
- Sees US growth close to 2.5% pace in next 18 months
- Lacks confidence that Fed will achieve price goal in medium term
- Sees 0.75-1.0% Fed Funds range as appropriate at end-2016
New York Fed President William Dudley believes a rate decision needs to have the global economy in mind. In regard to China, the Dudley said there is a legitimate reason to keep an eye on the East Asian giant. He said inflation is substantially short of the Fed’s goal. Dudley expects the conditions necessary for rate lift-off will be met soon. The central banker noted solid gains in October’s payroll report. He expects gradual tightening after lift-off. Dudley is concerned a delay in the rate hike process may create a “hard landing”.
- Its possible liftoff conditions may soon be satisfied
- Fed is still falling substantially short of inflation goal
- Economy in decent shape, sees growth a bit above trend
- October payrolls gain “strong”, rise in hours worked solid
- Says waiting for liftoff could boost hard-landing risk
- Its legitimate to still have concerns on China economy
Finally, Vice Chair Stanley Fischer gave insight to his view on monetary policy outlook. He believes that 2 percent inflation will return if expectations remain anchored. Fischer said CPI will rebound once the transitory impacts of US Dollar strength and crude oil weakness fade.
- October FOMC signaled December rate rise may be appropriate
- Inflation to rebound in 2016 as Dollar and oil impact fades
- US economy weathering headwinds from stronger Dollar
- 2% inflation to return if expectations stay anchored
