Fed Barkin: Inflation is coming down toward 2% target. Price pressures continue to ease

Fed Barkin is speaking and says:

• Inflation is coming down towards the 2% target.
• Can see paths where inflation is sticky or continues to progress towards target.
• Was encouraged by the unemployment rate in December.
• Seems the job market has stabilized.
• Not much to support arguments that the economy is growing weaker.
• Not concerned about overheating economy right now; demand is solid but not booming.
• Long rates right now are consistent with early 2000s, which was not a restrictive time for business.
• Has not seen anything in long rates that would influence Fed policy at this point.
• Regarding incoming Trump administration’s policies, the direction of travel may be clear on things like tariffs, but the details are not.
• Businesses generally saying that price-setting behavior is moving to pre-pandemic patterns.

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.