Fed's Brainard: gradual increases in rates are appropriate

Fed's Brainard has been speaking recently and further statements have ht the wires including one where it was stated that gradual increases in rates are appropriate.

Further key comments:

• U.S. Trade policy a 'material uncertainty' to the economic outlook.
• U.S. Fiscal stimulus, other 'tailwinds' could help re-anchor inflation at 2 pct.

And following the recent appointment to Head of NY Fed appointment:

• Good to get additional Fed Govs on the board.

Earlier, Fed's Brainard, (dove), was saying that risks to the U.S. Financial system are 'moderate' though the Fed is monitoring effects of fiscal stimulus.

Fed's Brainard previous comments:

• Financial asset valuations stretched, cyclical pressures building.
• Asset prices may be particularly vulnerable to outside economic shock.
• Risks to U.S. Financial system 'moderate' though fed monitoring effects of fiscal stimulus.
• May need to raise banks capital buffer if cyclical pressures build, vulnerabilities grow.
• Fed monitoring 'extreme volatility' of cryptocurrencies; could raise investor-protection issues.