Lookonchain APP

App Store

Point of View: The Federal Reserve Has Over-Eased, with a 65% Chance of Stagflation in the United States

2025.04.18 15:48:23

On April 18th, Adam Posen, who has held positions in the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, stated in a speech this week, "We may be on the verge of a recession or we might not. Nevertheless, in either case, we will be confronted with inflation." Posen, currently serving as the President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, wields significant influence. He believes that there is a 65% probability of a recession. Regarding the Fed, Posen thinks that given the still relatively high level of inflation, it has cut interest rates too vigorously. Once prices start to rise again, the Fed may not be able to keep pace with the changes. As a consequence, the Fed may be compelled to raise interest rates rapidly and significantly, thereby placing additional stress on the economy. If all these scenarios were to come to pass, Posen said that repairing this damage could take several years or even longer. (FXStreet)
Relevant content

Three Strikes of Evasive Silence: Powell Tight-Lipped on Sensitive Issue

Jan. 29 – Reporters have three questions that remain unanswered by the Federal Reserve (Fed): 1. It provided no additional details regarding political pressure on the central bank. 2. It offered no comment on whether a relevant official will depart the Fed in May. 3. It declined to comment on the U.S. dollar exchange rate. (FX168)

2 minutes ago

Powell: No Further Comments on Subpoena Statement

Jan 29 - Fed Chair Powell: No further elaboration on subpoena-related statements. (When asked if the Fed has responded to the DOJ’s subpoena) No information to share today. Post-term plans for Fed Chair Powell not yet finalized. (Source: FX678)

2 minutes ago

Analyst: This Year Inflation More Sticky, Fed Chair Candidate Continues to Be Market Focus

On January 29, Allspring analyst Matthias Scheiber noted that the U.S. job market is stabilizing and inflation remains sticky—factors pushing the Federal Reserve to take a wait-and-see approach as it assesses how prior rate cuts have impacted economic growth. Current interest rates appear near the neutral level—one that supports stable employment while aiding inflation control. That said, the AI-fueled investment and capital expenditure boom, plus a sharp jump in commodity prices (including industrial metals), could keep inflation more persistent this year. Markets have largely priced in one of the two rate cuts expected late last year. The top focus remains the announcement of the new Federal Reserve Chair—with the race still open—but there’s a broad expectation that Powell’s successor will be more dovish. Government pressure on the Fed to lower rates will stay a recurring theme this year. (FXStreet)

2 minutes ago

Powell: Inflation Still Slightly Above Target, December Core PCE Inflation Could Rise to 3%

**January 29 – Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell outlined key observations:** - Inflation remains slightly above the Fed’s target. - The labor market may be stabilizing after a period of gradual softening. - December core PCE inflation is likely to have risen 3%. - High inflation is largely driven by tariffed goods. - Long-term inflation expectations align with the Fed’s target. - The Fed’s policy rate falls within the range of neutral rate estimates. - The Fed is well-positioned to assess the magnitude and timing of additional rate adjustments. - Policy did not proceed as planned. *(Source: IG)*

2 minutes ago

Powell: U.S. Economy on Solid Footing, Unemployment Rate Showing Some Stabilization Signs

Jan. 29 (Forex Live) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday afternoon the U.S. economy is on solid footing and expanded at a moderate pace last year. There are signs of stabilization in the unemployment rate, he noted, adding the current policy stance is appropriate. The government shutdown likely weighed on fourth-quarter economic growth but its effects will reverse, Powell stated.

2 minutes ago

Powell's Odds of Being Renominated as Fed Chair Nearly Double

On January 29, Federal Reserve Board Governor Christopher Waller dissented from a recent Fed decision, backing a 25-basis-point rate cut—while prediction market Kalshi shows his odds of being nominated as Fed Chair have risen from 8% to 15%.

2 minutes ago