Federal Reserve's Harker: May Temporarily Hold Rates Steady

Fed Governor Waller has concluded the press conference following the October FOMC meeting. BlockBeats summarizes the key takeaways as follows: Waller first affirmed the U.S. economy, stating that U.S. economic activity is expanding strongly, domestic consumption has remained resilient, productivity is robust, and capital investment is strong. However, he warned that inflation remains elevated. The Federal Reserve believes additional information will help the FOMC assess its policy stance, and the committee will achieve price stability. Economic growth is robust. Waller also added that credit conditions have tightened somewhat since the Fed’s last rate hike, but immediately clarified: “I neither want to nor can describe it as ‘tightening.’” When asked whether midterm elections would influence interest rate decisions, Waller said “politics has played no role at all.” On issues including AI and oil prices, Waller pointed out that interest rates have fallen amid rising oil prices, expressed skepticism about the view that “rate hikes will not impact AI,” and noted that interest rates have affected the tech sector. Waller also announced adjustments to the FOMC meeting schedule starting next fall: the committee will hold 8 meetings annually. In 2027, the Fed will still hold 8 meetings as scheduled, but one will not vote on monetary policy interest rates, focusing solely on policy strategy. In 2028, two of the 8 meetings will be dedicated to policy strategy, with no votes on policy interest rates, and these will not be formal policy decision-making sessions.

When asked whether the midterm elections would affect interest rate decisions, Federal Reserve Chair Walsh said politics played no part in the decision-making.

Federal Reserve Governor Warsh told reporters at a press conference, "I am closely monitoring the South Korean economy, and my level of attention to South Korea may exceed what you might imagine."

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Fed Chair Walsh: As oil prices continue to climb, interest rates have retreated. He expressed skepticism toward the view that interest rate hikes will not impact AI, noting that whether you interpret it as AI or SI is up to you, and added that he has observed interest rates affecting the tech sector.

Federal Reserve Chair Waller said he has decided to adjust the FOMC schedule next fall: one meeting will not hold a policy rate vote, while another will focus on strategy. He projected six policy-setting meetings in 2028, adding that eight annual meetings are the appropriate number.