Fed Governor Waller: "If February jobs are strong, I’d support holding rates steady in March"
Summary
- Christopher Waller said the March policy rate decision will depend on the February jobs report.
- Waller said if February jobs data are solid, he could lean toward supporting a hold in March.
- Waller said if January’s upside surprise carries into February, it may be appropriate to keep rates at the current level.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said the March policy rate decision will hinge on the February employment report.
According to overseas economics breaking-news channel Walter Bloomberg on the 23rd, Waller said, "If the February jobs data come in solid, I could lean toward holding rates steady in March." Asked whether he would support a rate cut or a hold at the March meeting, he said, "It’s like a coin flip. It will depend heavily on the February labor-market figures."
Waller noted that "the January employment report was a stronger-than-expected upside surprise," adding that "if this momentum continues into February, it may be appropriate to keep rates at the current level."
He also said a recent court ruling related to tariffs is unlikely to have a major impact on monetary-policy decisions.
Minseung Kang
minriver@bloomingbit.ioBlockchain journalist | Writer of Trade Now & Altcoin Now, must-read content for investors.
