Fed Leaders Urge Caution on Further Rate Cuts as Inflation Rises and Hiring Softens
Missing September jobs data from the shutdown leaves the near-term policy path uncertain.
Overview
- Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said employment risks are tilted lower and inflation risks higher, calling the recent 0.25-point cut appropriate to support the labor market.
- Jefferson declined to signal support for another move at this month’s meeting, noting he is assessing conditions without the September payrolls report.
- Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee warned of deterioration on both sides of the Fed’s mandate and argued against anticipating rapid or excessive easing.
- Goolsbee said he favors gradual reductions over time and noted underlying indicators still point to a fairly stable labor market.
- Both officials emphasized a data-dependent approach as higher-than-target inflation and softening job creation complicate near-term decisions.