Monetary policy

While the current economic situation can be called “unique,” Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco researchers believe the yield curve inverting would signal an upcoming slowdown.

Richard Clarida, an international monetary economist and Pacific Investment Management Co. global strategic adviser, is the front-runner for the nomination to be the Federal Reserve vice chairman, said a person familiar with deliberations.

Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell seemed to counteract his earlier statement, which suggested the chance for four rate hikes in 2018.

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell refused to comment on his views on the number of times the Federal Open Market Committee will raise rates this year, although he admitted his “outlook has strengthened since December.”

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the central bank can continue gradually raising interest rates as the outlook for growth remains strong, and the recent bout of financial volatility shouldn’t weigh on the U.S. economy.

Federal Reserve Governor Randal Quarles offered an optimistic view of the U.S. economy, suggesting it may be on the cusp of a sustained period of faster growth and reaffirming his support for “gradual” interest-rate increases.

Monetary policy targeting a federal funds rate between 1.25% and 1.5% is appropriate, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard said Monday.

Volume of $48.05 billion indicated a strong short-term need on both the buy-side and sell side of the municipal market.

With the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy report sticking to the policies professed in its latest post-meeting statement, markets will look to the question and answer sessions Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell will face from Congress next week.

Although large scale asset purchase programs may not be as effective as previously believed, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Eric Rosengren said Friday, “it is quite likely” that the programs will be needed in the future.

Having vacancies on the Federal Reserve Board makes it “more difficult,” Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic said Thursday.

Federal Reserve Governor Randal Quarles delivered an upbeat assessment of the U.S. economy and endorsed a “gradual” path for raising interest rates in his first public speech on monetary policy since joining the central bank in October.

Federal Reserve officials grew more positive on the economic outlook, citing “substantial underlying economic momentum,” and were increasingly optimistic about achieving their inflation target, according to minutes of last month's policy meeting.

Calling for gradual and patient interest rate hikes, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Rob Kaplan warned that three major challenges to the economy’s health must be addressed.

With inflation remaining stubbornly low, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Patrick T. Harker said Wednesday he’s “penciled in” two rate hikes this year.

The White House is considering Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Loretta Mester for central bank vice chair.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the U.S. central bank had made great progress in its pursuit of full employment and stable prices but was on the lookout for threats to the economy amid turmoil in financial markets.

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Loretta Mester suggested Tuesday three rate hikes would be appropriate this year and next.

As the Baby Boom generation retires, economic growth may slow and fiscal deficits could grow, complicating monetary policy, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Esther George said late Thursday.

Discounting market volatility, Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley Thursday expressed confidence in the economy’s strength and said the Fed’s projections of three rate hikes this year “seem reasonable.”