The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady at its meeting today, but pressure is mounting on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh to take action as inflation remains persistently above the Fed’s 2% target. Renewed conflict in the Middle East has pushed gas prices back above $4 a gallon nationally, adding to inflationary pressures from AI-driven investment and tariffs. The Fed’s challenge is compounded by the fact that rate hikes have limited power to offset oil and gas supply disruptions caused by war.
NISA Chief Economist Stephen Douglass was quoted in The Associated Press with his perspective as saying:
“They are hoping and intending to talk the talk without having to walk the walk.”
Stephen does not expect the Fed will raise rates this year, suggesting the Fed may rely on tough rhetoric rather than action to anchor inflation expectations.
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