NY Fed President, influential FOMC member John Williams said on Friday that he expects it will be appropriate to raise the Federal Funds target range in March, according to Reuters. Williams added that he then expects the Fed to begin the process of steadily and predictably reducing its holdings of treasury and mortgage-backed securities later in the year.
Williams said that his forecast for real US GDP growth in 2022 is 3.0% and for the unemployment rate to end the year around 3.0%. He continued that he expects Core PCE inflation to drop back to around 3.0% this year and then fall further in 2023 as supply issues continue to recede. Finally, Williams said that he is confident that the Fed will achieve a sustained strong economy whilst keeping inflation at its 2.0% longer-run goal.
Market Reaction
Markets are much more focused on geopolitics right now, so Williams' comments did not spur a reaction. They were very run-of-the-mill comments anyway, not really adding anything new to the Fed policy debate.
Note: All information on this page is subject to change. The use of this website constitutes acceptance of our user agreement. Please read our privacy policy and legal disclaimer. Opinions expressed at FXstreet.com are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of FXstreet.com or its management. Risk Disclosure: Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to invest in foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD remains on the back foot below 1.0800

EUR/USD remains on the defensive below 1.0800, as it consolidates weekly gains heading into Friday’s European session. The pair takes cues from the market’s sluggish momentum amid a light calendar and repositioning ahead of next week’s top-tier EU/ US events.
GBP/USD keeps range around 1.2550 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD is keeping its range play intact at around 1.2550 in the European morning this Friday. The US Dollar is licking its wounds following the US jobs data-led steep sell-off. Markets stay cautious, anticipating the end-of-the-week flows and position adjustments.
Gold could recapture 21 DMA resistance if RSI turns bullish

Gold price is consolidating Thursday’s impressive rebound from near $1,940, having yo-yoed within a $30 weekly range. Gold price could see a range breakout on Friday should the end-of-the-week flows trigger intense volatility.
Binance.US to suspend USD deposits, citing aggressive and intimidating tactics by the SEC

BinanceUS, the American arm of Binance.com, has indicated plans to suspend USD deposits, noting that its banking partners would do the same for withdrawal beginning June 13.
Eurozone in recession, but why?

It appears that a technical recession has indeed materialized, although the statistical offices took some time to officially declare it. The slight decline of 0.1% in both the fourth and first quarters is rather minimal.