Monetary policy

Jefferson signals cautionary stance on tariffs, labor and rate path

Key insight: Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson described a delicate balancing act, supporting moderate rate cuts to protect jobs while keeping long-term inflation under control. Supporting data: GDP growth slowed to 1.6% in the first half of 2025, and tariffs are nudging prices higher as long-term expectations remain anchored. Forward look: Jefferson emphasized durable inflation […]

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Supreme Court to hear Fed Gov. Cook case in 2026

Key Insight: The Supreme Court postponed a decision on whether to strike down an injunction that allowed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to remain on the board while her lawsuit against the administration moves forward, allowing her to stay at the Fed at least until oral arguments are held in early 2026. Expert Quote: “The

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Fed’s Jefferson: Uncertainty around economy ‘especially high’

Fed’s Jefferson: Uncertainty around economy ‘especially high’

Al Drago/Bloomberg Key Insight: Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said immigration and tariff policies have clouded his economic outlook and placed pressure on the central bank’s dual mandate. However, because tariffs have had a smaller-than-expected impact on inflation, he said he expects disinflation to resume after this year. Expert Quote: “I view the uncertainty

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Fed’s Schmid: Monetary policy is “where it needs to be”

Fed’s Schmid: Monetary policy is “where it needs to be”

Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg Key Insight: Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Jeff Schmid said he supported a 25 basis point cut to interest rates in September as a precautionary measure, but thinks that going forward the central bank should continue to focus on cracking down on inflation. Expert Quote: “I view the current stance of

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Fed’s Powell mum on future interest rate cuts

Fed’s Powell mum on future interest rate cuts

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg Key insight: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the recent uptick in the unemployment rate and slowing job gains were factors that led the central bank’s rate-setting committee to cut short-term interest rates by 25 basis points. Expert quote: “Our policy is not on a preset course. We will continue to determine the

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Fed’s Bowman: ‘Serious risk’ of labor market deterioration

Fed’s Bowman: ‘Serious risk’ of labor market deterioration

Al Drago/Bloomberg Key insight: Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman signaled that she is onboard for notable short term interest rate cuts if the labor market picture continues to worsen. Expert quote: “The recent data, including the estimated payroll employment benchmark revisions show that we are at serious risk of already being behind the

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More rate cuts eyed as Fed zeroes in on soft labor market

Key insight: The Federal Reserve’s move to cut rates was bolstered by growing concern over a softening labor market. Expert quote: “Almost everyone wrote down support for this cut. Some supported more cuts, and some didn’t — and that’s just how it is,” — Fed Chair Jerome Powell  What’s at stake: Despite the Fed moving

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How will lenders recalibrate as Fed signals path to lower rates?

Mortgage lenders are recalibrating ahead of the Federal Reserve’s anticipated monetary easing cycle by rolling out rate promotions, streamlining operations and broadening product menus. They aim to capture demand while navigating affordability and margin pressures.  Executives told HousingWire they’re preparing for renewed borrower activity as rates edge lower — but with caution, given political headwinds,

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Fed watchers anticipate rate cuts, watch for dissents

What’s at stake: The Federal Reserve’s interest rate-setting body is expected to cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, but markets are also listening for hints of further and/or deeper cuts in the coming months.   Expert quote: “There’s the possibility that the Fed will be sending mixed messages because the consensus probably won’t

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Trump appeals ruling allowing Fed Gov. Cook to remain

Key insight: The White House has appealed a lower court ruling granting Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook an injunction that allows her to remain at her post pending the outcome of her lawsuit challenging the president’s moves to fire her. What’s at stake: The appeals process, even if expedited, is unlikely to affect Cook’s participation

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