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Amid strong US economy, gradual rate hikes to continue: Fed official
NEW YORK, Dec 5, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – With government spending juicing US
economic growth, further increases in lending rates are likely, a top Federal
Reserve official said Tuesday.
Officials also will continue to watch for signs of risks but given the
success so far in achieving low unemployment without boosting inflation,
growth is expected to continue, New York Federal Reserve Bank President John
Williams said.
“I do continue to expect that further gradual increases will best foster a
sustained expansion,” Williams told reporters.
With unemployment at 3.7 percent and inflation running right at the Fed’s
two percent target, the central bank has achieved its dual mandate “about as
well as it ever has,” he said.
The comments from Williams, who serves as the vice chairman of the rate-
setting Federal Open Market Committee, are in keeping with his recent
statements but come after Fed Chairman Jerome Powell last week seemed to
soften his stance, even hinting at the possibility of a pause in rate
increases.
The Fed has raised the benchmark lending rate eight times since December
2015, including three times this year, and is widely expected to increase
again this month.
Traditionally, stock markets love lower interest rates, and they have
seesawed in recent weeks amid the competing comments from Fed officials
interpreted as either a sign rates would have to move higher or a signal the
Fed would take a break.
After Powell’s comments of November 28, Wall Street had its best day since
March, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 2.5 percent.
But US stocks dropped in the wake of Williams comments on Tuesday, losing
two percent after midday, giving up all of Monday’s gains and more.
Despite the apparent differences, the two Fed officials agree on the need
to watch incoming data to make the decisions on rates.
Williams stressed that increased federal and state government spending
meant “we have pretty strong tailwind to growth going into next year.” And he
sees no signs that inflation is rising, although it is likely to rise above
two percent.
But in addition to data, officials are watching financial markets as well
as the global economy for signs of trouble, he said.
“We’re looking both in the rearview mirror but obviously also take into
consideration where there might be risks out there.”
BSS/AFP/HR/0930