Better balance: Jefferson speaks at an economic conference in Dallas, Texas. He cites resilient American consumer spending and a solid labour market as signs that downside risks has abated. — Reuters
NEW YORK: Federal Reserve vice-chairman Philip Jefferson says it’s appropriate for policymakers to be cautious in adjusting interest rates, as long as the economy and labour market remain strong.
“I continue to see a gradual reduction in the level of monetary policy restraint placed on the economy as we move towards a more neutral stance as the most likely outcome,” Jefferson said in remarks prepared for an event at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.
“I do not think we need to be in a hurry to change our stance.”
Fed officials left their benchmark policy rate unchanged in a range of 4.25% to 4.5% at their meeting last week.
Fed chairman Jerome Powell signalled officials will likely be on hold as they wait for more progress on lowering inflation towards the central bank’s 2% goal, and for clarity over President Donald Trump’s economic policies.
The decision to hold rates steady followed three consecutive interest rate cuts over the final months of 2024 that lowered borrowing costs by a full percentage point.
Jefferson said on Tuesday he expected the downward path for inflation to continue to be bumpy, but expressed optimism that price growth will continue to cool.
Recently released figures showed the Fed’s preferred measure of underlying inflation was muted in December.
“With supply and demand conditions having moved into better balance, wage growth slowing to a more sustainable pace and longer-term inflation expectations remaining well anchored, I see a path for inflation to continue its progress toward our longer-run goal,” Jefferson said.
He described the US economy broadly as starting 2025 in a good position.
He cited resilient consumer spending and said the labour market was solid with signs that downside risks had abated compared with mid-2024.
Still, Jefferson said he expects economic growth this year to be slightly lower than in 2024 as households and businesses face uncertainties.
Though Jefferson didn’t mention Trump or any specific policies, many questions surround the new administration’s economic plans, particularly for tariffs and immigration, and how those could ripple through the economy.
Just this week, Trump agreed to delay plans to levy 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month, heading off a trade conflict for now.
However, a 10% tariff on goods from China went into effect and Beijing retaliated with several measures.
“There is always a great deal of uncertainty around any economic forecast, and currently we face additional uncertainties about the exact shape of government policies, as well as their economic implications,” Jefferson said.
He said if consumer spending holds up, that would cause him to revise up his outlook for economic growth. — Bloomberg
