|

Fed's Waller: US economy is closing in on maximum employment

Fed Board of Governors Member Christopher Waller said on Friday that the US economy is "closing in" on maximum employment and, thus, he strongly supported the Fed's decision to accelerate the pace of the QE taper, according to Reuters. 

Additional Takeaways:

“Faster taper gives increased flexibility to adjust policy as early as spring.”

“The US economy is set to continue growing strongly at least through 1h 2022.”

“The Omicron variant is 'big uncertainty' for outlook.”

“Inflation is alarmingly high, persistent, and has broadened.”

“The baseline outlook is for inflation to moderate next year; watching expectations closely.”

“Omicron could slow recovery or exacerbate inflation… the Fed has to be ready 'in the coming weeks' to adjust as needed.”

“Rate hike will be warranted shortly after bond buys end.”

Author

Joel Frank

Joel Frank

Independent Analyst

Joel Frank is an economics graduate from the University of Birmingham and has worked as a full-time financial market analyst since 2018, specialising in the coverage of how developments in the global economy impact financial asset

More from Joel Frank
Share:

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD stays defensive below 1.1600 as USD rebounds

EUR/USD  trades marginally lower below 1.1600 in the European session on Friday. The pair edges down as the US Dollar rebounds slightly after Thursday’s massive profit-taking pullback. Looming US-Iran uncertainty revives the haven demand for the Greenback, while the Euro takes a breather after the hawkish ECB hike-led rally.

GBP/USD holds steady above 1.3400 ahead of US sentiment data

GBP/USD recovers losses and trades modestly flat above 1.3400 in the European trading hours on Friday. The UK Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined by 0.1% in April, limiting the pair's upside amid renewed US Dollar weakness. The focus now remains on the US Michigan Consumer Sentiment data.


Gold flatlines above $4,200; bearish bias intact amid US-Iran risks

,Gold recovers modest intraday losses, and turns flat during the first half of the European session, though it remains below the daily peak. Despite uncertainty over the US-Iran peace deal, a steadier mood fails to help the US Dollar in preserving its gains. This is seen as a key factor offering some support to the commodity.

Pi Network: Bulls attempt comeback as bearish strength fades

Pi Network (PI) is trading at around $0.120 after a modest recovery the previous day. Despite this recent rebound, traders should be cautious as a scheduled unlock of 14.8 million PI tokens on Friday could limit the token's recovery potential by increasing market supply. Meanwhile, the technical outlook is showing early signs of fading bearish momentum, suggesting a short-term bounce.

UoM Consumer Sentiment Index expected to remain depressed near historical lows in June

The University of Michigan (UoM) will release the preliminary estimate of June’s Consumer Sentiment Index on Friday. The report is expected to show that consumers’ confidence remains depressed.

4.2% headline, 0.2% core: Why the Fed's next hike may be targeting the wrong problem

May's CPI put headline inflation at 4.2% on the year, up from 3.8% in April and the hottest reading since April 2023, while core prices rose just 0.2% on the month, undershooting the 0.3% consensus and halving April's pace.