Fed's Barr: Policy in a good position to adjust as conditions unfold
Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr said on Friday that the monetary policy is in a good position to adjust as conditions unfold, per Reuters.
Key takeaways
"Economic outlook clouded by trade policies that have increased uncertainty, hurt consumer and business sentiment."
"Tariffs to lead to higher us inflation, lower growth in both us and abroad, starting later this year."
"Fed may be in difficult position if both inflation and unemployment rise."
"Equally concerned tariffs will lead to higher unemployment as economy slows."
"Tariffs could create persistent upward pressure on inflation by disrupting supply chains."
"Artificial intelligence may require policymakers to reassess the natural rate of unemployment."
"Too soon to know how tariffs will affect economy."
"As of first quarter, disinflation on gradual but uneven path toward 2%, economy resilient."
"AI may also increase the neutral interest rate."
Market reaction
The US Dollar (USD) Index stays under modest bearish pressure and was last seen losing 0.17% on the day at 100.45.
Fed FAQs
Monetary policy in the US is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, it raises interest rates, increasing borrowing costs throughout the economy. This results in a stronger US Dollar (USD) as it makes the US a more attractive place for international investors to park their money. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates to encourage borrowing, which weighs on the Greenback.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) holds eight policy meetings a year, where the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) assesses economic conditions and makes monetary policy decisions. The FOMC is attended by twelve Fed officials – the seven members of the Board of Governors, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and four of the remaining eleven regional Reserve Bank presidents, who serve one-year terms on a rotating basis.
In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve may resort to a policy named Quantitative Easing (QE). QE is the process by which the Fed substantially increases the flow of credit in a stuck financial system. It is a non-standard policy measure used during crises or when inflation is extremely low. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy high grade bonds from financial institutions. QE usually weakens the US Dollar.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process of QE, whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing, to purchase new bonds. It is usually positive for the value of the US Dollar.